Those who have been to Constantinople will be impressed by its architecture. Its Byzantine mosaics are stunning examples of the skill of Byzantine artists. The Byzantine royal family was also still able to construct new palaces. Their royal buildings are still incredibly impressive and showcase the Byzantine style.
Byzantium
Byzantium, formerly known as Constantinople, was an empire that existed in the early Middle Ages. It was a Greek-speaking state that had a strategic location on the Danube. Its location allowed it easy access to trade routes between Europe and Asia Minor. Its position also gave it the advantage of being surrounded by some of the richest provinces in the empire.
Byzantium, however, would soon have to contend with Islamic opponents in the seventh and early eighth centuries. During that time, it was briefly besieged by Islamic armies. Then, a series of attacks by Muslim armies caused the Byzantine empire to fall. Byzantine art was influential throughout Europe and was a pillar of Christianity. It also influenced the Romanesque style.
The city’s architecture and art was copied throughout the region, especially in the Slavic East. The Byzantine Empire was also the only place in Europe to produce sound gold coins until the thirteenth-century Italian florin. The city’s urban infrastructure was also a wonder of the Middle Ages.
In the sixth century BCE, the Greek city of Byzantium was founded by the legendary Byzas. This city-state was originally known as Megara. It was a stronghold located on the Black Sea and the Euxine Sea. Its harbor is known as the Golden Horn.
The city’s walls, which were about 60 feet high, provided protection for the eastern provinces of the old Roman Empire. The city’s walls also prevented barbarians from reaching the richer provinces in Asia. As a result, the east was able to grow unmolested. However, the western part of the empire fell. This is why Byzantium, Constantinople was a crucial part of the Roman Empire.
The city was able to withstand invasions from many peoples and became the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire. It was an important city in the trade with the East. Byzantium remained in this role until it was captured by the Ottoman Turks in 1453.
The city’s economy grew largely thanks to trade. Venetians were active traders in the city. They had factories on the north side of the Golden Horn, and traded extensively with Byzantium and Egypt. The city also welcomed a large number of westerners during the twelfth century.
In the middle ages, Byzantium, Constantinople was one of the richest cities in Europe. It was known as the “Queen of Cities.” The city has undergone many names throughout history, including Byzantium, New Rome, and Stamboul. In the modern era, the city is known as Istanbul.
