During the seventh and eighth centuries, the palace of the Hebdomon appears in historical sources under a new name: Magnaura. This change in designation has caused uncertainty among historians. It is not clear whether the Magnaura at the Hebdomon was simply the old palace known by a different name, or whether it was a new building added to the imperial complex. Some scholars believe it may have resembled the famous Hall of the Magnaura in the Great Palace near the Hippodrome, which was used for ceremonies, receptions, and official gatherings.
Because the surviving sources give no clear description of its structure, the true nature of the Magnaura at the Hebdomon remains uncertain. What is certain, however, is that the palace continued to be an important imperial residence during this period The Church of the Prophet Samuel at the Hebdomon.
Pulcheria and the Retreat from Court Politics
The palace of the Hebdomon was often used as a place of withdrawal from the intense political life of Constantinople. It was probably here that Pulcheria, the powerful sister of Emperor Theodosius II, retired for a time when the influence of the Empress Eudoxia became dominant at court. Court rivalries and religious disagreements frequently made life in the capital unstable, and the Hebdomon offered a safer and quieter refuge.
Pulcheria’s withdrawal to the Hebdomon reflects the suburb’s role as a space where members of the imperial family could distance themselves from political conflict without completely abandoning public life.
Basiliscus and the Conflict over Doctrine
Another ruler who sought refuge at the Hebdomon was Basiliscus. After opposing the Council of Chalcedon, he faced intense hostility from the people and clergy of Constantinople. To escape the growing storm of theological anger, Basiliscus withdrew to the palace at the Hebdomon.
It was there that he was confronted by Daniel the Stylite, a famous holy man who lived upon a pillar at Anaplus (modern Arnaoutköy). Daniel traveled to the Hebdomon to rebuke Basiliscus for his actions and to foretell the loss of his throne, which the saint regarded as unjustly seized and dishonoured. This dramatic episode shows how the Hebdomon served not only as a retreat but also as a stage for powerful religious and moral confrontations Private Tours Bulgaria.
Justinian the Great and the Palace Laws
As already noted, Justinian the Great was especially fond of the Hebdomon. He visited the palace frequently and even issued several laws while residing there. This fact demonstrates that the Hebdomon was not merely a place of leisure, but also a functioning center of imperial administration.
One curious incident occurred during one of Justinian’s visits. The imperial crown suddenly disappeared and could not be found for eight months. When it finally reappeared, it was completely intact, with not a single gem missing. The mysterious event deeply impressed contemporaries and was widely remembered as something extraordinary.
The Final Years of the Palace
The palace of the Hebdomon continued to be used by later emperors. Justin II resided there, as did Tiberius II, who eventually died within its walls. These final associations show that the palace retained its importance well into the later centuries of the Byzantine Empire.
Through centuries of political struggle, religious controversy, and imperial ceremony, the palace of the Hebdomon remained a significant symbol of imperial life—both as a refuge from turmoil and as a place where the fate of emperors was quietly shaped.
