The history of Chalcedon often centers on the Basilica of St. Euphemia, the site of the Council of Chalcedon. Built over the grave of Saint Euphemia, this famous church has vanished from view, leaving behind one of the city’s greatest archaeological puzzles. Where did it stand? Historical sources, topography, and recent discoveries offer several compelling possibilities. Let us explore the leading theories.
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Reading the Ruins of Ancient Chalcedon
Most people pass over the ancient ruins of Chalcedon without realizing what lies below. I have never walked through the archaeological site myself, but anyone can look down from the main bridge in Kadıköy, on Istanbul’s Asian side, and see what archaeologists have uncovered. From that vantage point, sacred apsidal structures, marble floors, and massive column bases begin to emerge from the earth. At first glance, they look like scattered stones. Yet each one tells part of the story of an important city. So what do these discoveries actually reveal?
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Ancient Chalcedon in Modern Kadıköy
Since 2018, archaeologists have uncovered remarkable new pieces of ancient Chalcedon. Excavations have revealed churches, graves, temples, and even an ancient harbor, offering fresh insight into this once-thriving city. With each new discovery, Chalcedon’s story becomes richer, but how much still lies hidden beneath the modern streets? What have archaeologists uncovered so far, and what discoveries might still await?
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