The spiral stairway in the turret was not an isolated structure. It was connected to Tower N by a series of narrow, vaulted passages. These passages pierce the north-eastern wall of the tower at three different levels. The first passage was at the original floor level of the vestibule b, while the other two were aligned with the two rows of loopholes higher up.
Currently, all these passageways are blocked with earth, making it difficult to access or explore them. However, part of the lowest passage was partially cleared, allowing explorers to reach a small, dark room called Chamber D Sightseeing Turkey.
Chamber D A Windowless Room
Chamber D had no windows, making it completely dark inside. The only source of connection to the outside world was a round hole in the ceiling, which leads to an unexplored part of Tower N. This suggests the room may have been used for storage, military purposes, or perhaps secret access between floors.
Architectural Purpose and Historical Significance
Despite the challenges caused by the accumulated earth and debris, which still prevent full exploration, there are already some important conclusions we can draw about these structures and their role in history Stairway Turret Structure and Purpose.
The design and massive size of the walls and towers in this part of the site clearly show that they had a dual purpose. While they were fortified for defense, their main function seems to have been to support the terraced hill where the Palace of Blachernae was built.
Not Just Military Structural Support for the Palace
The height and thickness of these walls, along with the heavy use of buttresses, are far beyond what would be necessary for ordinary military walls. This suggests that they were constructed to act as a retaining wall—that is, a strong base that could hold up the artificial terrace on which the palace stood.
This design allowed the palace to be built high above the surrounding land, making it safer from attacks like scaling with ladders (escalade). It also provided the emperor and palace residents with a broad view over the city of Constantinople and the countryside beyond.
A Parallel from Ancient Rome
In fact, the construction method and the purpose of these structures are very similar to what Roman emperors like Septimius Severus and Caracalla did on the Palatine Hill in Rome. They built huge underground supports to hold up the platforms where their grand buildings were erected—such as the Temple of the Severan dynasty (Ædes Severianæ).
This comparison helps us better understand the scale and ambition behind the buildings at Blachernae. They were not simply fortifications; they were a foundation for imperial power, both physically and symbolically, shaping the very landscape to suit the needs of the Byzantine court.
Although many parts of the ruins remain buried, what we can already see confirms that this area was a vital structural and political center. The engineering skill involved in supporting the palace on an elevated terrace reveals much about the importance and vision of the imperial builders. With further excavation, even more secrets of this fascinating site may come to light.
