The Byzantine & Ottoman Empires: Lecture 1 of 12. Foundation: From Byzantium to Constantinople.

The Byzantine & Ottoman Empires: Lecture 1 of 12. Foundation: From Byzantium to Constantinople. Despite its strategic location and superb harbor, the city of Byzantium played only a minor role in the events of ancient Greek and Roman history from the 8th century BC to the 4th century AD. Then Constantine I transformed the city into a new imperial residence and capital of the Roman Empire.