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Istanbul. Between Cross and Crescent Moon
Sezione 1
Sezione 2
Walls of Constantinople
Constantine I. 330 AD
PLAY ME
I had decided!
I finally chose to transfer the capital of the Roman Empire to the East,
more precisely to the ancient city of Byzantium... A city that would take my name, and be called Constantinople! This decision was full of consequences for the future of our empire. Diocletian had already created four capitals, one for each patriarch, although they were more like imperial residences with administrative functions than true capitals.
The historical, cultural and political heart still thumped in Rome... I, on the other hand, gave this new city, Constantinople, all the weight and substance of the capital, making everyone understand that the center of gravity of the empire was moving to the east, the most active, powerful and secure part!
Basilicas, palaces, works of art; these would be the things with which I would embellish Constantinople in its radiant future. But why move to the East? That was the part where Christianity had taken root more intensely, while the West remained essentially pagan. Besides,
I was always afraid of falling victim to conspiracies in that unbearable aristocratic environment of Rome... A few years ago, I began to have defensive walls built on the limits of Constantinople, which would continue to be built in the years to come. Such walls could have protected the city from potential attacks from both land and sea.
Sezione 3
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