Prison of Anemas

The Prison of Anemas consists of a long, hulking wall of brick arches built directly into the side of the Theodosian Walls. It served as a Byzantine palace annex and eventually a high-security state dungeon. In eleven eighty-five, the commander Michael Anemas plotted to overthrow Emperor Andronikos Komnenos. He failed, and he became the first notable prisoner held here. He awaited his execution for days while staring at the sea, until the Emperor’s wife convinced her husband to spare him instead.