Constantinople

The New Rome

Why Constantinople?

- location, location, location! Geographically, the city is easily

defended, prime for trade and it is the meeting point of different worlds.

Playing Defense Constantinople was famous for its imposing defensive

systems. Many factors played a role in this.1. It was on a peninsula surrounded by water. Castles

within the city overlooked the entire narrow waterway (Bosphorus).

2. On the land side it was protected by systems of massive stone walls.

Art and Architecture Some of the Byzantine’s most lasting contributions to the world are found in their unique art and architecture. Most notably:- Walls of the city-Hagia Sophia - Mosaic

Hagia Sophia

Built by Emperor Justinian in 532 CE. As the church of Holy Wisdom.

it had the largest dome in the world for hundreds of years.

After the Muslim conquest it became a Mosque.

Hagia SophiaIn its time, The dome of the Hagia Sophia was a wonder of the world. The windows at the base of the dome made it appear to be floating above the church…

The dome has only been worked on twice since its construction in 532. It rises over 150 feet above the floor of the church.

The Clashing of Cultures

Christianity in the Empire (Theodosius) and to the west.

Islam growing to the south and east.

What do you think the long term effects of this will be?