Roman Capital: Rome vs Byzantium (330 CE)
by Anonymous
Constantine chose to move the Roman Empire's capital from Rome to Byzantium (renamed Constantinople). This decision split the empire's center of gravity eastward and shaped European civilization for a millennium.
Constantinople (Byzantium)
330 CE
year
Controls Bosporus strait, trade routes
strategic position
Peninsula with natural harbors
defensibility
Chosen — capital for 1,100 years
outcome
Keep Rome as Capital
330 CE
year
Western-focused, far from eastern threats
strategic position
Vulnerable to barbarian invasion
defensibility
Rejected — Rome sacked in 410 CE
outcome
Nicomedia
330 CE
year
Previous eastern capital under Diocletian
strategic position
Inland, less defensible
defensibility
Rejected in favor of Byzantium
outcome
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