Historians do not agree about the true name of a certain entrance in the walls of Constantinople. Some believe that this gate is the Porta Rhegiou (Πύλη Ῥηγίου), also known as the Gate of Rhegium, which is mentioned in the Greek Anthology. However, this view has problems.
The Porta Rhegiou was known to have an inscription honoring Emperor Theodosius II and Prefect Constantine. Historical records show that both gates with these inscriptions were located in different parts of the city walls. Therefore, this gate cannot be identified as the Porta Rhegiou The Golden Gate and the Changing Fortunes of the Byzantine Empire.
A Shared Name with the Golden Gate
It is more likely that the gate was simply known by the name Golden Gate, because it stood very close to the famous Porta Aurea, or “Golden Gate.” After the Turkish conquest of Constantinople, the names of the gates changed, and the one near the original Golden Gate took on the same name.
It was very common for gates that stood near each other to share similar or even the same names. This explanation helps us understand some confusing events in the city’s history that mention the Golden Gate.
The Story of Basil the Macedonian
For example, when Basil I, the founder of the Macedonian dynasty, came to Constantinople as a poor young man, it is said he entered the city just before sunset through the Golden Gate. He then slept on the steps of the nearby Monastery of St. Diomed.
This story would not make sense if Basil entered through the main Golden Gate (Porta Aurea), because that entrance was reserved for the emperor and official ceremonies. It is unlikely that a poor traveler would have been allowed in through such an important gate. However, if there was a smaller public gate nearby also called the Golden Gate, the story becomes much more believable Private Sofia Tours.
The Escape of Nicetas Choniates
Another example comes from the historian Nicetas Choniates, who lived during the time of the Fourth Crusade. When the Crusaders captured Constantinople in 1204, Nicetas escaped the city five days later with his family and friends. He wrote that they left through the Golden Gate.
Again, it is hard to believe that the Crusaders would have let civilians escape through the main Golden Gate, which was a key military gate. But if there was another smaller gate nearby with the same name, used by the public, his escape seems far more likely.
These stories show that more than one gate near the Porta Aurea may have been called the Golden Gate. This shared name created confusion, but it also helps explain how certain historical events could have happened. A smaller public gate near the main ceremonial entrance would have made it possible for both poor travelers and fleeing citizens to pass through.
