Byzantium (Istanbul)

Byzantium, later known as Constantinople and now Istanbul, is a city with a rich history situated where Europe and Asia meet. Originally founded as a Greek colony around 660 BCE, it became the capital of the Byzantine Empire, a continuation of the Roman Empire, in 330 CE under Emperor Constantine. It was a major cultural, religious, and economic hub for centuries, known for its impressive architecture like the Hagia Sophia. The city played a pivotal role in medieval history before being conquered by the Ottoman Turks in 1453, who transformed it into the capital of their empire. Today, Istanbul remains Turkey’s largest city and a vibrant bridge between continents and civilizations.