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Cisterns

The Yerebatim Sarayi (Basilica Cistern) is a stunning piece of Byzantine architecture.  It was built in 532 to bring fresh water to the ever-growing population of Byzantium.  The cistern has 336 columns each over 25 feet tall.  

The Turks did not know of its existence for almost 100 years after their conquest.  They found out about it because they caught people fishing in it from holes in their basements.  

Today, the cisterns serve only as a fabulous walk through history for tourists.  There is an extensive network of walkways that wind through the columns, two of which are mounted on "Medusa" heads perhaps signifiying victory over pagan beliefs.
Breck had a heyday running laps around the paths and 'podracing' between groups of visitors.


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