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The Byzantine Empire. AD330-1453. Byzantium: The "New Rome". 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). - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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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.