1. The Byzantine Empire

2. Location, Location, Location

3. What does Constantinople’s unique location offer?
Harbors offer safe shelter for fishing boats, trading ships, and warships.
Crossroad of trade routes between Europe and Asia= $$$
Secure land location on a peninsula, easily defended.
Seas protected on three sides
Huge wall guarded the city on fourth side.
Large Sea Chain across the Golden Horn

4. Hippodrome Large area used for chariot races and games.
During games at the Hippodrome a riot started against Justinian, it became one of the most bloody events in Byzantine History.

5. Hagia Sophia

6. Hagia Sophia Built by Justinian Spared no expense
Gathered the finest marble and supplies
Hagia Sophia means “Holy Wisdom”
Magnificent mosaics and decorations on the ceilings, walls, and floors.
Seen as an architectural wonder.

7. Constantinople's Walls
Three layers thick
Protected the land border of the city
Very difficult to break through