The name of this
subterranean structure
derives from a large
public square on the
First Hill of
Constantinople, the Stoa
Basilica, beneath which
it was originally
constructed. According
to ancient historians,
Emperor Constantine
constructed a structure
which was later rebuilt
and enlarged by Emperor
Justinian after the
Nika riots of 532.
The enlarged cistern
provided water for the
Great Palace of
Constantinople and other
buildings on the First
Hill, and continued to
provide water to the
Topkapi Palace after the
Ottoman conquest in
1453 and into modern
times.
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