The Roman Empire Divided in 294 Barbarian Invasions of the Roman Empire.

The Roman Empire Divided in 294

The Roman Empire Divided in 294

Barbarian Invasions of the Roman Empire

Barbarian Invasions of the Roman Empire

Constantine’s City--Constantinopolis

Constantine’s City--Constantinopolis

Cityscape of Istanbul (formerly Constantinople)

1st Class City

Constantinople: A Greek City

(Istanbul Today)

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.