How did the location of Constantinople impact the city?
The capital of Constantinople gave the Byzantine Empire significant strategic advantage, as it was right on the trade routes between Europe and Asia as well as the Mediterranean and Black Seas.
Why was Constantinople such a prosperous city?
First settled in the seventh century B.C., Constantinople developed into a thriving port thanks to its prime geographic location between Europe and Asia and its natural harbor. In 330 A.D., it became the site of Roman Emperor Constantine’s “New Rome,” a Christian city of immense wealth and magnificent architecture.
Was Constantinople located on the Mediterranean Sea?
As a result of his reconquest of the empire’s former western territories, he restored Ravenna’s status as a capital in Italy. By his death in 565, the empire bordered nearly the entire Mediterranean Sea, a size unrivalled in Byzantine history from that point onward.
What protected Constantinople on the side of the city that was not surrounded by water?
Initially built by Constantine the Great, the walls surrounded the new city on all sides, protecting it against attack from both sea and land. As the city grew, the famous double line of the Theodosian Walls was built in the 5th century.
Did the Byzantines use guns?
They did. The Byzantine Empire was acquiring cannon in the late 14th century, and cannons were being used in defence of Constantinople against the Ottomans already in the 14th century (1396). In the siege of 1422, both sides had gunpowder artillery.
When did the Byzantines stop using legions?
7th century
Did Byzantines use Testudo?
Tactical analysis. The testudo was used to protect soldiers from all types of missiles. As “phoulkon”, it played a great role in the tactics employed by the Byzantines against their eastern enemies.
What military advantages did the Byzantines have?
Since Constantinople was a major port, surrounded by water on three sides, a strong navy was also necessary for the empire’s survival. Byzantine ships were fairly typical oar-driven galleys of the time, but they possessed a great technological advantage over other navies: a weapon known as Greek fire.