Download Byzantine Intro2

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 RussiaMediterranean
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.