The Bridge over the Barbyses

Location and Early Importance

The bridge crossed the Barbyses (modern Kiaht-haneh Sou), a small stream that flows into the Golden Horn in the Cosmidion district (modern Eyoub). When the scholar Gyllius visited Constantinople, the stone piers of an ancient bridge could still be seen in summer, when the water level was low. These remnants stood between the northern end of the city’s land walls and Aivan Serai, indicating the bridge’s strategic position.

This bridge was a key point of access to the city and served both military and civilian purposes. During the 627 siege, Slavonian allies of the Avars moored a flotilla of log-boats behind the bridge, waiting for a chance to enter the Golden Horn and attack the northern side of Constantinople.

Heraclius’ Triumphal Entry

The bridge also played a role in one of the most famous events of Byzantine history. After returning from the Persian War, Emperor Heraclius entered the city triumphantly, crossing the bridge over the Barbyses. His journey from the Palace of Hiereia on the Bay of Moda to the Golden Horn was unusually indirect. Although the shortest route would have been by boat across the Sea of Marmora to the Golden Gate, Heraclius had an extreme fear of water Jeep Safari Bulgaria.

To overcome this, his advisers built a temporary bridge of boats across the Bosporus, covering the sides with branches and foliage so the emperor would not see the water. Once safely on the European shore, Heraclius avoided the water again and took an inland route through the valley at the head of the Golden Horn, finally crossing the Barbyses to reach the city.

Role in the Crusades

The bridge continued to be important in later centuries. In 1096, Crusaders under Godfrey de Bouillon camped near it. During the Second Crusade in 1147, Emperor Conrad crossed the bridge to attack the suburbs on the northern side of the harbor.

During the Fourth Crusade in 1203, the army marched from Galata to Constantinople. The Greeks had cut down the bridge, so the Crusaders repaired it, allowing their troops to cross and encamp near the Palace of Blachernae. As Villehardouin describes, the soldiers worked day and night to reconstruct the bridge, enabling the army to move in battle formation toward the city.

Later Military Use

Even in the 14th century, the bridge remained strategically significant. In 1328 and 1345, John Cantacuzene camped his troops in the meadows beside the bridge while negotiating with city defenders at the Gate of Gyrolimne, showing its continued role in controlling access to the city.

The bridge over the Barbyses connected key districts, allowed safe entry into the city, and was repeatedly used in sieges and military campaigns. From the triumph of Heraclius to the Crusades and civil wars of the 14th century, it remained a vital link between the northern suburbs and the heart of Constantinople.