On the 4th week of blogging my true love gave to me... Constantinople?

That's right my friends, we have temporarily left Europe and have now entered the Middle East, more specifically: Turkey. Before I go on any farther, I want to make it clear that this entry regarding Constantinople (it's modern name is Istanbul) is going to be in two parts; this week's part is going to cover the time of the Greeks through the time of the Byzantine Empire (also known as the Eastern Roman Empire). Next week will follow up with  the Latin Empire  through modern times. Let's go!

Greeks

Led by King Byzas, Greek colonists settled in modern day Isntabul around 300 BCE (before the common era- traditionally known as 'before Christ'). Following their settlement, Byzas named the city 'Byzantinium' in honor of himself. However, like most things in Europe and the Middle East, the city eventually fell to Rome, as Byzantium sided with a Roman governor, Pescennius Niger, in hope of escaping the infiltration by the emperor Septimus Severus.


Romans

Septimus Severus was successful at infiltrating the city, as well as completely demolishing it, rebuilding it, and naming it  Augusta Antonina. But as history would have it, this city would not remain in peace. As small battles broke out here-and-there, the biggest, and possibly bloodiest, was that of a Roman Civil war (324), as two co-emperors, Constantine and Licinius fought for the crown. With Augusta Antonina (Byzantium) caught in the middle, Constantine emerged victorious as Licinius retreated to Byzantium, only having to withdraw after having his fleet defeated by Crispus, Constantine's eldest son. In 326, the Emperor Constantine moved the capital of the Roman Empire to Byzantium, renaming it Nova Roma- but because he had (almost) entirely rebuilt it - the name 'Constantinople' became the most used.

The Byzantine (Eastern Roman) Empire

After it was named the capital of the Roman Empire, Constantinople experienced a prosperous boom! This lasted until shortly after the death of the emperor Theodosius I in 395, his two sons (are you ready for this? This has never happened before!) created tension within the empire, until finally, they split, leaving Constantinople as the capital of the Byzantine Empire in the 400s.Following the split, Constantinople (noticeably) turned Greek as compared to it's Roman background. This was seen through things such as Haghia Sophia, a church build in Constantinople after an anti-government revolt erupted amongst the people. Because of this revolt the city was destroyed (again) and rebuild with many of its noticeably significant monuments. Haghia Sophia is one of these monuments as Constantinople became the center of the Greek Orthodox Church (much like how Rome is the center of the Roman Catholic Church).


By this point I'm sure you're thinking, "Audrey, enough with the history! Tell me the places to visit!" Well my impatient friend, you must realize that when it comes to Constantinople, it is guaranteed that the sites you wish to see will correspond with some of the history mentioned above. Let's take a look at some of Istanbul's most  significant sites:

• The Basilica Cistern
• Just looking at pictures of it on the internet is creepy. Built by the emperor Justinian in the 6th century, it stands on the exact spot where another basilica had been built by Constantine approximately 200 years earlier. What's interesting about the basilica is that some of the pillars holding it up were taken from other ancient sites throughout the empire. However, if you really want to experience history with a flare of eeriness, check out the two pillars that are supported by upside-down stone heads of Medusa (see below).
• Walls of Constantinople
• Created by Constantine, a second layer was later added by Theodosius II. They protected Constantinople from 11 invasions, but found it hard to remain standing after the invention of gunpowder as well as an Ottoman conquest that took place in 1453. The remains of the walls can still be seen in their original lines (in other words, they haven't moved).
• Hagia Sophia
• First a church turned into a mosque, Hagia Sophia now acts as a museum within the Republic of Turkey. As an example as to what has been discovered: behind 6-7 inches of plaster, the mosaic faces of four seraphims were discovered. Along with this, you will see mosaics of various Biblical stories such as Jesus and the wise men. Whether you're religious or simply want to see the interactions of time and empires all in one place, Hagia Sophia is the place where I would want to be. (See pictures below)

Until next week, I hope you've enjoyed the history briefs of modern day Istanbul as well as some of the attractions they have to offer. Are you interested in everything else they have to offer? Check out the following link!

Istanbul Attractions 

Upside-Down Medusa Head

Mosaic Seraphim Face

 Mosaic of Biblical Scene

Whan that Aprill with his shoures soote The droughte of March hath perced to the roote...

No matter where you travel in Europe, you are guaranteed to be overwhelmed by the culture's art, history, and action of the 21st century. This is especially true for England: the royal wedding, royal pregnancy rumor, and of course, the Olympics, have come together to send the British into a time of excitement and intrigue. However, we're going to take a step outside of the hustle and bustle, and travel to an area known as Kent. Here, we find a town of about 36,000 people, with much to offer to both the history buff, and the modern spectator. Welcome to Canterbury!

Normally, I would give a detailed description of major events in the city's history, but because of Canterbury's extensive timeline (it dates back to the Celtics of the first century), I've decided to focus on the attractions. This will not only expose what Canterbury has to offer, but it will also give a taste of the extensive, rich history of empires, and individuals.

• Druidstone Park
• Druidstone Park is the perfect place to meet family and friends; whether you're going to spend time in the play area, cafe, or walk in the woods, the beauty and tranquility will remain with you forever.You will be taken back to the time of enchanted forests, sleeping dragons and the mysterious of natural beauty. But, does it have anything to do with the actual Druids? The answer is yes. As earlier mentioned, Canterbury dates back to the time of the Celtics- more specifically- the tribe of the Cantiaci. These nomads were in present day Canterbury around the first century, only to be conquered by the Romans in 43 AD.
• Roman Museum
• Described by one traveler to be an "absolutely AMAZING museum," the Roman Museum allows you to jump back to Roman times without having to leave England for Italy. What's incredible about the museum is that they don't only display worker related artifacts such as tools and simple coins; At the museum, you see all classes of the empire, through articles such as: mosaic floors (preserved where they were excavated), a hypocaust (a Roman underfloor heating system- preserved where excavated), a cavalry horse harness fitting (one of only two in the world), as well as finds from the baths including: toiletry items and bath linings. The Romans stayed in Canterbury (their town was named Durovernum Cantiacorum) for 300 years before the empire began to collapse.
•  St. Augustine's Abbey
• This is not only a "wonderful place to visit," it has also been declared as a World Heritage Site. It was here that St. Augustine, a Roman abbot,was sent by Pope Gregory to convert the Anglo-Saxons. Leaving Rome in May of 595, St. Augustine returned in July after receiving opposition, making him ask the Pope to be released from his assignment. In response, Pope Gregory wrote to him saying:

"My dearly beloved son, it would have been better not to have undertaken a noble task than to turn back deliberately from what you have begun, so it is right that you should carry out with all diligence this good work which you have begun with the help of the Lord. Therefore do not let the toilsome journey nor the tongues of evil speakers deter you..."

• In a modern translation: Nice try, now get back there. After St. Augustine returned, he  founded the abbey in 598 to serve as his head quarters; originally dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul, it  became known as St. Augustine's Abbey (after his death), and since then, served as the burial ground of St. Augustine, other abbots, and kings of Kent. It was dedicated as a world heritage site along with St. Martin's Church and the Canterbury Cathedral on May 29, 1984.

 St. Augustine's Abbey

• Canterbury Cathedral
• Over 500 years after St. Augustine's Abbey was founded, Canterbury witnessed the unthinkable: in 1170, Archbishop Thomas Becket was murdered within the cathedral walls. Since then, thousands of people have been attracted to Canterbury Cathedral, including those in Geoffrey Chaucer's, The Canterbury Tales. In this collection of short stories, a total of 29 pilgrims are making their way to the cathedral, seeking the holy martyr. Who's the martyr? You guessed it, Thomas Becket. Aside from the story line, the most incredible thing about the tales, are the characters. Keep in mind that these tales where written in the medieval ages- a time when religion played a role in the lives of the richest and poorest people. Why do I say this? The answer is that some speculate the characters to reflect the sins and the virtues. For example, the Wife represents the sin of lust, while the knight represents the virtue of selflessness. By putting life-like people in a religious setting, Chaucer not only created one of the best pieces of British literature, but he also added an element to the town of Canterbury- it's an element of persistence, devotion, and a want to never forget the events of the past.
  

 Canterbury Cathedral

Though these are just a few of the many sites offered by Canterbury, they act in a way that make you feel as if  the past were coming to life as you walk in the steps of the Celtics, Romans, and pilgrims. But what about the Elizabethan era? What about the 17th and 18th centuries? If you're curious about other eras and what Canterbury has to offer you, feel free to use the link below and plan for your next trip!

Canterbury Attractions