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)
Upside-Down Medusa Head
Mosaic Seraphim Face
Mosaic of Biblical Scene
Okay, so I actually loved the history part of this blog. History really intrigues me and I loved reading about the history of Constantinople. I really liked how you included a lot of it, and focused on the different ruling groups.
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