The “Imperial” Gate at the Eastern End of the Harbour Walls
When discussing the names Basilike Pyle (the Imperial Gate) and the Gate of the Kynegos (the Hunter’s Gate), it is essential to begin with one undisputed fact: the title “Imperial” definitely belonged to an entrance located at the eastern extremity of the Harbour Walls of Constantinople.
This is clearly stated by the historian Phrantzes, who records that Gabriel of Treviso, a Venetian officer in Byzantine service, was entrusted with the defence of a tower that guarded the entrance to the Golden Horn. This tower, he says, stood directly opposite the Basilike Pyle. From this description, it follows that the Imperial Gate was positioned at the far eastern end of the harbour walls, near where the Golden Horn opens into the Bosphorus Turkey Private Guide.
Therefore, unless evidence is produced showing that there was more than one Imperial Gate (Basilike Pyle) along the waterfront, the claim of Balat Kapoussi to that title cannot be accepted.
The Possibility of Two Imperial Gates
If, however, it can be shown that the Harbour Walls contained two gates known as Basilike Pyle, then Balat Kapoussi would have a strong claim to be recognized as the second “Imperial” entrance Fortifications Between Porta Phani and Petri Kapoussi.
In that case, the most reasonable conclusion is that the second Basilike Pyle was not a separate gate of different purpose but rather the Gate of the Kynegos under another name. This dual naming may reflect the ceremonial and imperial functions associated with that part of the city, which was close to the Blachernae and Porphyrogenitus Palaces—both imperial residences.
The Meaning of “Gate of the Hunter”
The exact reason why this entrance was called the Gate of the Hunter remains uncertain and is open to interpretation. One explanation connects the name to a Kynegion, or arena for the exhibition of wild animals, similar to the one that once stood on the Asiatic side of the Bosphorus near Scutari. Support for this theory is found in Phrantzes’s use of the term “Kynegesion” (τοῦ Κυνηγησίου) to describe the quarter beside the gate.
However, another—and perhaps more likely—interpretation is that the name was linked to the imperial huntsmen who served the Byzantine court. Hunting was a favourite pastime of the Byzantine emperors, symbolizing both royal leisure and martial skill.
The Imperial Huntsmen and Their Role
The chief huntsman (ὁ πρωτοκυνηγός) was an important court official. His duties included organizing imperial hunts, training hounds and falcons, and supervising the emperor’s hunting companions. He also had the honour of holding the emperor’s stirrup when the sovereign mounted his horse.
An interesting detail from court tradition reveals that the imperial hunting suit, if it became stained with blood during the chase, became the property of the chief huntsman. This small privilege demonstrates the prestige and closeness to the emperor enjoyed by this office.
In summary, the Basilike Pyle was undoubtedly an Imperial Gate, located at least at one end of the Harbour Walls, and possibly duplicated near Balat Kapoussi if two such entrances existed. The Gate of the Kynegos, situated near the imperial palaces, may have served both ceremonial and practical functions—an entry for the imperial huntsmen or even a symbolic passage associated with the emperor’s passion for the hunt.
Whether it referred to a nearby arena or to the imperial hunting staff, the Gate of the Hunter reflects the rich blend of military, ceremonial, and personal traditions that surrounded the Byzantine emperor and his city.