Column of Marcian

The Column of Marcian (Greek: Στήλη του Μαρκιανού, Turkish: Kıztaşı) is a Roman honorific column erected in Constantinople by the praefectus urbi Tatianus (450 – c. 452)[1] and dedicated to the Emperor Marcian (450–57).

The column is not documented in any late Roman or Byzantine source and its history has to be inferred from its location, style and dedicatory inscription.

Three faces are decorated with IX monograms within medallions, and the fourth with two genii supporting a globe.

The basis of the column is orientated northwest/southeast, while its capital is aligned north/south, possibly so that the statue could look towards the nearby Church of the Holy Apostles.

The Turkish name Kıztaşı, "the column of the girl" (kız: "girl" + taş: "stone"), apparently derives from the genii on the basis, which during the Ottoman period were the column's most distinguishing features (after the loss of Marcian's statue).

One of the faded IX monograms inside a wreath at the base of the column.