ANCIENT ROMAN CITIES
Constantinople was the new Roman capital city of the east back when it was established. It was built on the ruins of the old Greek state of Byzantium on the shores of Propontis in CE 330 by the ruler at the time, Constantine. It was considered a new Rome and became widely known as ‘The Queen of Cities.’ It also functioned as an entry between the Mediterranean and the Black seas. It quickly turned into a trading capital of the old Roman Empire, being on the western end of the spice and silk trade routes. It soon became known for its riches, luxury, and remarkable trading facilities. Later, during the medieval Byzantine Empire, and for an extended amount of time during the Middle Ages, Constantinople was the wealthiest, and most populated city in Europe. Constantinople has gone down to be one of the greatest cities in the Roman Empire.
CONSTANTINOPLE, INSTANBUL
The city of Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great in 33 BCE. The city grew so quickly, it overtook other big cities such as Carthage. A hundred years after its establishment, it had become one of the world’s biggest cities in terms of importance and population size, it was home to a large Greek and Jewish residence. It was also an important city for education. The Greek translation of the bible was performed in Alexandria. The city fell to the Romans in 30 BCE, just three years after its creation. It became a center for development in the ancient world, sparking interest in many philosophers, logicians, researchers, and mathematicians. Alexandria was truly a giant leap in advancement in growth, and knowledge for the Roman Empire.
ALEXANDRIA, EGYPT
And finally, Rome. Over 2,500 years ago, Rome began as a tiny village along the Tiber River on the Italian peninsula. It was an excellent location for a town to be created. The soil was good for crops to be grown, it was surrounded by seven hills, which provided as a natural defense border, and the river provided fresh water and baths for the local residents. Rome grew incredibly fast. Street cleaners, firemen, daily speeches, a thousand drinking fountains, eight hundred public baths, religious temples, and even a postal service. Rome had been growing swiftly, and it seemed like nothing could slow this train down anytime soon. Until something did. In 476 CE, a Germanic barbarian who went by the name Odoacer took control of Rome. He became the king of Italy and forced the previous emperor of Rome, Romulus Augustulus, to give up his crown. This was considered the fall of Rome.
