The triumphal column of Justinian was the tallest freestanding column of the pre-modern world and was crowned with arguably the largest equestrian metal sculpture ever created anywhere before 1699. The bronze horseman of the Byzantine Empire dominated the heart of Constantinople, assuming new identities, provoking conflicting narratives, and gaining wide international recognition. Because all traces of Justinian's column were erased from the urban fabric of Constantinople in the 16th century, scholars have underestimated its stunning influence and remarkable long-term presence. Its impact on visual and oral culture was arguably among the most extensive of any Mediterranean monument. This book analyzes Byzantine, Islamic, Slavic, Crusader, and Renaissance historical testimonies, medieval pilgrimage routes, geographical, apocalyptic, and hierarchical narratives, folk poetry, Byzantine, Bulgarian, Italian, French, Latin, and Ottoman illuminated manuscripts, Florentine wedding chests, Venetian paintings, and Russian icons to offer a fascinating and innovative biography of a contested medieval monument during the millennium of its existence.

Pages: 479