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This is an underground cistern in early Byzantine Constantinople (Istanbul), probably dating to the fifth or sixth century CE. Cisterns were necessary to store adequate amounts of water for a city with an expanding population and an inadequate natural supply of water. Modern Istanbul still lacks sufficient quality drinking water.

Walls of Diyarbekir, Southeastern Turkey

Name: Underground Cistern Constructed Under East Roman Emperor Justinian I

Material: Stone, marble

Size: Underground chamber approximately 143 m (469 ft) by 65 m (213 ft) - about 9,800 sq. m. (105,000 sq ft) in area - capable of holding 80,000 cu m (2,800,000 cu ft) of water. The ceiling is supported by 336 marble columns, each 9 m (30 ft) high

Date: 5th or 6th century CE

Place of Origin: Istanbul, Turkey

Location: Istanbul, Turkey

Source and Registration#: Wikimedia Commons. Link to resource

Walter E. Kaegi

Professor of History, University of Chicago