The Golden Gate was the great ceremonial gate of the land walls of Byzantium through which the emperors left for their campaigns, and where they celebrated their triumphant return. In contrast to the usual brick and limestone construction of the walls, it was built from white marble and had golden doors. On its top there was a monumental quadriga with elephants. Probably in the tenth century, the main door was reduced in size and the frame of one small gate at its side set in. Today the Golden Gate is walled up completely and serves as a part of the turkish Yedikule fortress that was erected soon after the conquest of 1453.