The Stone of Million

The milestone consists of marble fragments and arched remains that once formed the zero point of the Byzantine road network in Constantinople. These remains stand today on a low pedestal at the edge of a busy pedestrian area.

The emperor established this zero point in the 4th century to measure all distances across the Eastern Roman Empire from this location. Later rulers added further elements until earthquakes and urban rebuilding gradually destroyed the structure.

The name means Stone of a Million and refers to the countless road miles measured from this spot. Travelers saw this point as a symbolic gateway between the city and the rest of the world.

The remains stand very close to the entrance of the Basilica Cistern and are clearly visible from the street. Visitors can view the monument from outside at any time since it sits on public ground.

The structure later served as a distribution point for water, with Ottoman engineers integrating a pipe system into the ancient foundations. This practical purpose kept the site in use for centuries while other monuments disappeared.

Location: Istanbul

Inception: 4 century

GPS coordinates: 41.00807,28.97802

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:29