Constantinople
The capital of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire. It was the largest and wealthiest city in Europe during the Middle Ages (and the largest city in the world in the 6th and 7th centuries before the rise of Baghdad). It controlled trade through the Bosporus between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea with an enormous chain that was stretched across the water and kept ships from passing through without the Emperor's permission. It also had one of the most extensive defensive wall networks and advanced water and sewer systems of its day and the largest known cistern network in the ancient world. The city worked very hard to project an aura of wealth and luxury as an important part of its foreign and domestic policy.
Demographics
Primarily Greek/Byzantine
Government
Imperial - Absolute Monarchy
Defences
Some of the greatest cities walls ever built, an efficient and professional army. Large cash reserves allow the Empire to buy off invaders and entice foreign nations into defensive treaties as needed.
Industry & Trade
Trade with everyone in the world (almost) with virtually every kind of commodity flowing through Constantinople on its way to China, Europe, or Africa.
Infrastructure
Highly developed bureaucracy that developed out of the old Roman bureaucracy.
Assets
Extensive wealth through its trade network. Goods from China and India to Europe and Africa moved through Constantinople. Textiles were an important export with silk, especially cloth of gold, being the most important. Grain was a major trade good through the Empire but after the Arab conquests of Egypt and Syria (major grain producers), the Empire itself did not produce enough to export.
Guilds and Factions
The Imperial bureaucracy, the Orthodox Church (lead by the Patriarch of Constantinople), and the Army are all major players in Byzantine politics with the merchant class making up an important minor player.
RUINED SETTLEMENT
The city of Constantinople continued but it was renamed Istanbul after it was conquered by the Ottomans in 1453 AD
Founding Date
The older city of Byzantium was renamed New Rome in 324 AD and then Constantinople in 330 AD.
Alternative Name(s)
The Queen of Cities, Byzantium, New Rome, Istanbul
Type
Capital
Population
600,000
Inhabitant Demonym
Romans
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