HIST 101 Lecture Notes - Lecture 20: Mehmed The Conqueror
Document Summary
From the 4th century to its fall in 1453, the city of constantinople was a marvelous example of the wealth and prosperity of the old roman world. From its churches built with opulent marbles , gold covered icons and altars, to stone streets, it truly became a sight to see (history unbound). It was originally founded as the capital of the eastern half of the roman empire (maps 1). Since the city was surrounded by water on three sides, it had a huge advantage over any attacker where it was from the sea or land (history unbound). Being surrounded by water also gave constantinople opportunity to be able to built many well-sheltered harbors with easy access as well (history. It also made trade a major source, given its location at the cross point of europe and the middle east, for its income which in return made it very prosperous (maps 2).
