A Prayer of Dedication
One of the most remarkable features of the seaward walls of Constantinople is the number of inscriptions left by Emperor Theophilus (829–842). These words were more than mere records; they were prayers and declarations of faith. A dedication reads:
“Possessing Thee, O Christ, a Wall that cannot be broken, Theophilus, King and pious Emperor, erected this wall upon new foundations: which wall, Lord of All, guard with Thy might, and display to the end of time standing unshaken and unmoved.”
This inscription is both a spiritual dedication and a symbolic prayer. It reveals how the emperor saw himself not only as a builder and protector of the city but also as a servant of Christ, entrusting his work to divine protection.
Towers South of Deirmen Kapoussi
On the first tower south of Deirmen Kapoussi (today known as Yenikapı), an inscription reads:
“Tower of Theophilus, faithful and great King and Emperor in Christ.”
Above this dedication is a marble slab carved with a cross and the well-known Byzantine battle cry: “Jesus Christ conquers” (IC XC NIKA). This phrase appeared often on coins, banners, and walls, reminding both citizens and enemies of the empire’s faith in divine protection Private Bulgaria Tours Yachting.
On the second tower south of the gate, another inscription repeats the same theme:
“Tower of Theophilus, Emperor in Christ.”
Similar, though fragmentary, inscriptions are still visible on the third, sixth, seventh, and ninth towers south of Deirmen Kapoussi. These repeated dedications emphasize how determined Theophilus was to leave his name and faith marked across the city’s defenses.
Lost Inscriptions Recorded by Historians
Some inscriptions have disappeared with time, but their texts survive thanks to historians like Von Hammer, who recorded them in his work Constantinopolis und der Bosporus. His notes preserve the memory of several vanished inscriptions, including those found on the Gate of St. Barbara (Top Kapoussi).
That gate once bore the proud words:
“Theophilus … having renovated the city.”
This dedication was repeated on the adjoining wall, showing that the emperor wanted all who entered to know who had strengthened the defenses.
The Towers of Top Kapoussi
The two towers flanking the Gate of St. Barbara also carried the standard inscription marking Theophilus’s contribution:
“Tower of Theophilus, Emperor in Christ.”
These dedications not only celebrated his building efforts but also tied the strength of the walls directly to his authority and piety.
Inscriptions near the Seven Towers
According to Von Hammer, similar inscriptions were also found near the Seven Towers (Yedikule), one of the city’s later fortresses. Another inscription honored both Theophilus and his young son, Michael III, who had been appointed as co-emperor while still a child. This shows how the inscriptions were also used to highlight the continuity of the dynasty, linking the father’s achievements with the son’s future rule.
The Lasting Legacy of Theophilus
The numerous inscriptions of Theophilus form a unique chapter in Byzantine history. No other emperor left his name inscribed on the city’s walls so frequently. These words were more than stone carvings; they were symbols of imperial pride, Christian faith, and the determination to protect Constantinople. Even in their ruined state, the remains of these inscriptions remind us of an emperor who rebuilt the city’s defenses with devotion, expense, and vision, ensuring their endurance until the final days of the Byzantine Empire.
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