The Cambridge Companion to Constantinople

Constantinople, founded in the fourth century, was the capital of the Roman Empire. It was a physical city and an imaginary one, conjuring a vision of wealth and splendor. This Companion explores its urban infrastructure, administrative, social, religious, and cultural institutions, and visitors' encounters with both its urban reality and its place in the imagination.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 434 pages
Publication date: 17 March 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

From its foundation in the fourth century, to its fall to the Ottoman Turks in the fifteenth, Constantinople was not just a geographical location; it was a concept that resonated with people across the world. On the one hand, there was the physical reality of Constantinople, a city built from brick and mortar that emerged as the capital of the Roman Empire on a hilly peninsula overlooking the Sea of Marmora, the Golden Horn, and the Bosporos. On the other hand, there was the imagined city of Constantinople, a vision of wealth and splendor that surpassed any of the great medieval cities in the East or West. This Companion delves into the history of Constantinople, from Late Antiquity to the early modern period. It examines the city's urban infrastructure, including its roads, bridges, and public buildings, as well as the administrative, social, religious, and cultural institutions that shaped its daily life. Additionally, it explores the experiences of visitors to Constantinople, both their encounters with the city's urban reality and their perceptions of it in their imaginations.

The Foundation of Constantinople
Constantinople was founded in the fourth century AD by Emperor Constantine the Great, who named it after himself. The city was strategically located on the Bosporus Strait, which provided a vital link between the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea. It quickly became an important center of commerce and culture, attracting merchants, scholars, and artists from all over the Roman Empire.

The Rise of Constantinople
Under the rule of Emperor Justinian I, Constantinople experienced a period of great prosperity and growth. The city was expanded and renovated, with new buildings and monuments constructed to showcase its wealth and power. The Hagia Sophia, one of the most famous buildings in the world, was built during this time and became a symbol of the Byzantine Empire.

The Decline of Constantinople
However, Constantinople's fortunes began to decline in the late Middle Ages. The city was besieged by several invasions, including those by the Ottoman Turks in the fifteenth century. The Ottoman Empire eventually captured Constantinople, marking the end of the Byzantine Empire and the beginning of a new era in the region's history.

The Legacy of Constantinople
Despite its fall, Constantinople has left a lasting legacy. The city's architecture, art, and culture have influenced generations of artists and architects, and its historical significance has been recognized by UNESCO, which designated it as a World Heritage Site. Constantinople's story is also a testament to the resilience and adaptability.

Conclusion
In conclusion, Constantinople was not just a geographical location; it was a concept that embodied the wealth, power, and culture of the Byzantine Empire. From its foundation in the fourth century to its fall to the Ottoman Turks in the fifteenth, Constantinople has left a lasting impact on the world that continues to be felt today.

Weight: 714g
Dimension: 152 x 227 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108705578
Edition number: New ed