The identification of the Tower of Anemas has been an ongoing challenge, and various theories have been proposed to locate it. One such theory comes from Patriarch Constantins, who provides a description of the Tower of Anemas. He states, “The Tower of Anemas still exists. On its side facing the Holy Well of Blachernae, it has a large window, with a smaller one above.” This statement is significant because it seems to indicate the tower’s position, but it is not a definitive solution. Describing one building as being “near” another can be vague and unhelpful in pinpointing its exact location Additional Passages Relevant to the Discussion.
The Relationship Between the Towers and the Church of Blachernae
While the towers S and N are relatively close to the Church of Blachernae, it is still not entirely clear if these are the same towers described by Constantins. The statement by Clavijo, the Spanish ambassador, that the Tower of Anemas had been destroyed, could potentially be explained by damage to one of the Heraclian towers. However, could Clavijo have confused the citadel formed by the Walls of Heraclius and Leo with an Imperial residence? This would suggest that the towers S and N could be the ones he was referring to, rather than the Heraclian towers.
The Confusion of Destruction and Repair
In addition to Clavijo’s statement about the destruction of the Tower of Anemas, there is also an account from Leonard of Scio that adds some complexity to the situation. Leonard writes that the “turres Avenides” (which could refer to the Tower of Anemas) were repaired by Cardinal Isidore, which seems to contradict the idea that the tower had been completely destroyed. This suggests that, while the Tower of Anemas may have been damaged, it was not entirely gone and was, at some point, restored Private Guides Turkey.
A Possible Solution to the Puzzle
One possible solution is that the lower part of tower S was rebuilt or repaired after the reign of Isaac Angelus, making it a reconstruction of an earlier tower. In this case, the Tower of Anemas might be a combination of something both older and newer than the Tower of Isaac Angelus. However, this theory faces a significant problem. The common wall II, shared by towers N and S, originally belonged to the lower part of tower N, which complicates the identification of tower S as the Tower of Anemas.
Although there are multiple theories about the location of the Tower of Anemas, none offer a completely clear answer. Descriptions of the tower by Patriarch Constantins, Clavijo, and Leonard of Scio provide some context, but the true identification of the Tower of Anemas remains uncertain. Further investigation and evidence may eventually provide a definitive solution to this historical puzzle.
