Crossroads of Culture Constantinople A Brief History of Constantinople Originally Byzantium (660...

Crossroads of Culture

Constantinople

A Brief History of ConstantinopleOriginally Byzantium

(660 BCE) by the GreeksBecomes Eastern

Capital of Roman Empire (Byzantine Empire) 330 CE under Constantine

During the Middle Ages was consistently largest and wealthiest city in Europe

Eventually lost by the Romans to the Ottoman Turks (1453)

Sought after due to geographic location

Landmarks of CultureElements of many

different religions present in art/architecture

Cultural influence is evident in the building styles as well as purpose

Only city on two continents (Europe and Asia)

Hagia SophiaDestroyed twice

Rebuilt under Justinian 537 CESurvived many

earthquakes and fires

Fell into the hands of the Turks in 1453 CE Became a mosque

Modern day, serves as a museum

Islamic Minarets

Christian

Islamic(No people)

The Hippodrome of ConstantinopleHippodromes were built to house horse racing and chariot racing. Originally built by Severus Septimus, the Hippodrome was renovated after Constantine moved the capital of his empire to Constantinople.It is estimated that the Hippodrome of Constantine was about 450 m (1,476 ft) long and 130 m (427 ft) wide. Its stands were capable of holding 100,000 spectators.Contains artifacts from Ancient Empires such as the Greeks and Egyptians.

Egypt

Greece

The Blue MosqueCompleted in 1616

CE during the reign of the Ottomans

Has a unique number of minarets (6)

Named the Blue Mosque due to the blue tiles inside

6Minarets!

The Golden HornConnects the

Bosphorus to the Sea of Marmara

Naval headquarters of the Byzantine EmpireWalled off to prevent

naval attackProtected

Constantinople by an oversized chainCould be pulled across

to block passage

Topkapki Palace

A Palace Fit for a Sultan!