Question

Constantine chose Byzantium for his new capital because of its strategic location. It was advantageously located at the crossroads of Asia and Europe. Because of this location, Byzantium could control trade between the regions surrounding the Mediterranean and Black seas. Almost all land traffic between Asia and Europe passed through Byzantium as well. Constantine gave Byzantium a new name, Constantinople, in his honor. With water on three sides, Constantinople was easy to defend. Constantine built sea walls on three sides and on the fourth side a stout wall to protect against land attacks. Constantinople featured a hippodrome, which was a stadium for chariot racing that also housed circuses and theaters. The Mese, a long road running through the heart of Constantinople, became the world's busiest market. Explain .

Answer 1

Constantine chose Byzantium/Constantinople as his new capital due to its strategic location that allowed control over trade routes and easy defense. The city became a center of wealth, power, and culture in the Byzantine Empire.

Step-by-step explanation:

Constantine chose Byzantium, which he renamed Constantinople, as his new capital because of its strategic location at the crossroads of Asia and Europe. This location allowed Byzantium to control trade between the regions surrounding the Mediterranean and Black Seas and be a major terminus point of the Silk Road. Constantine built fortifications to protect the city, including sea walls on three sides and a strong wall on the fourth side.

Additionally, Constantinople's location on a peninsula with water on three sides made it easy to defend against land attacks. The city became a center of wealth and power in the Byzantine Empire, with a bustling market and important cultural and sporting events like chariot races in its hippodrome.

Overall, Constantine's choice of Byzantium/Constantinople as a capital offered significant advantages in controlling trade, defense, and cultural influence in the Eastern Roman Empire.