Daily Curiosityby Erudico

Roman Emperors · Question

Which emperor founded Constantinople (modern Istanbul)? (r. 306-337 AD)

Answer

Constantine I

The story behind the answer

Constantine I (r. 306–337) refounded the ancient Greek city of Byzantium as Constantinople in 330 AD, making it the new capital of the Roman Empire. He chose the site for its commanding position over the Bosporus, linking Europe and Asia and controlling key trade and military routes. The city would become the vibrant heart of the later Roman (Byzantine) Empire for over a thousand years.

Context: Constantine ended the Tetrarchy, legalized Christianity with the Edict of Milan (

More to discover

Which emperor won the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312 AD? (r. 306-337 AD) Which emperor is known as 'Constantine the Great'? (r. 306-337 AD) Which emperor attempted to restore paganism and is known as 'the Apostate'? (r. 361-363 AD) Which emperor made Christianity the official state religion of Rome? (r. 379-395 AD)