The Roman Empire Divided in 294

Barbarian Invasions of the Roman Empire

Constantine’s City--Constantinopolis

Cityscape of Istanbul (formerly Constantinople)

1st Class City

Constantinople: A Greek City

(Istanbul Today)

Constantinople• Capital city of Byzantine Empire (AD 330-1453)• Founded by Constantine - to consolidate his

rule.• Position - Confluence of Bosporus,the Golden

Horn, and Sea of Marmara. Excellent for trade and defense.

• City became a self contained fortress, 13 miles of walls, watchtowers and 50 fortified gates.

• The Inlet of the Golden Horn was surrounded by hills - safe harbor in bad weather.

Chain – Golden Horn

Position Continued• Bosporus - gateway from Black Sea to Sea of

Marmara. Constatinople was at a shipping and trading crossroads Europe & Asia

• From Sea of Marmara - strait of Dardanelles led to Agean Sea then Mediterranean Sea.

• Whoever ruled Constantinople was in a position to control all trade Asia - Europe and Russia- Mediterranean

Byzantine Culture• Since started out as Eastern end of Roman

Empire - strong Roman influences.• Modeled after Rome, built on 7 hills and divided

into 14 districts.• Buildings reflected Roman influence - the

hippodrome, forum and aqueducts.• Kept but relaxed many Roman rules and

customs-circus, chariot races, emperor’s bread distribution.

Bridge between ancient and modern Europe

• Christianity, Roman customs, and Greek classical culture all survived, blended and flourished in the Empire.

• The empire saw 88 emperors come and go, survived centuries of public riots, religious differences, and foreign threats - ended in 1453 when Constantinople fell to the OttomanTurks.

• Istanbul today is the only major city that straddles 2 continents.