Over time, the prominent location of the Palace and Harbour of Bucoleon along the Sea of Marmara caused the name “Bucoleon” to be applied not only to the palace complex itself but also to the entire collection of buildings that formed part of the Great Palace. The term thus came to represent a major imperial residence, rather than just the smaller palace at Tchatlady Kapou.
This broader usage of the name is evident in the account of Ville-Hardouin, the French chronicler of the Fourth Crusade. In his narrative of the conquest of Constantinople, he refers to “le palais de Bouchelyon” as one of the main imperial residences alongside the Palace of Blacherna. When the Crusaders planned the division of the city’s spoils, the Palace of Bucoleon, like Blacherna, was designated for the prince who would be elected Emperor of Constantinople The Night of the Conspiracy.
The Capture of the Palace
Upon the fall of the city, the Marquis of Montferrat rushed to seize the Palace of Bucoleon, while Henry, the brother of Baldwin, secured the surrender of the Palace of Blacherna. The treasure discovered in Bucoleon was described as immense, “so vast that it seemed endless.” Ville-Hardouin’s descriptions suggest that of the two major imperial residences, Bucoleon was perhaps the more significant.
The palace became a refuge for important figures during the siege. Murtzuphlus, after his forces were defeated, fled to the Bucoleon. There, the Marquis of Montferrat found many of the leading ladies of the Byzantine court gathered for safety, including Agnes of France, the wife of Alexius II, and Margaret of Hungary, the wife of Isaac Angelus. The palace thus served both as a military refuge and as a center of imperial authority.
Ceremonial and Festive Role
The Palace of Bucoleon also played a central role in ceremonial life. After his coronation in Hagia Sophia, the Latin Emperor Baldwin arrived at the palace in great splendor to celebrate the festivities of his accession. Ville-Hardouin emphasizes its wealth, calling it “the richest palace ever seen.” The palace was also the site of important celebrations, such as the marriage of Emperor Henry with Agnes, daughter of the Marquis of Montferrat Sightseeing Turkey Tours.
It is clear, therefore, that the relatively small buildings at Tchatlady Kapou could not have been the Bucoleon Ville-Hardouin described. His account refers to the Great Palace in its entirety, with its extensive complexes and ceremonial significance. The name “Bucoleon,” in this broader sense, symbolized the grandeur, political importance, and ceremonial centrality of one of Constantinople’s principal imperial residences.
