Sozomen (d. c. 450 CE), Ecclesiastical History, II.3: Constantine’s Decision to Found Constantinople at Byzantium
Led by the divine hand, he came to Byzantium in Thrace, and here he desired to build his city, and render it worthy of the name of Constantine. In obedience to the command of God, he therefore enlarged the city formerly called Byzantium, and surrounded it with high walls; likewise he built splendid dwelling houses; and being aware that the former population was not enough for so great a city, he peopled it with men of rank and their families, whom he summoned from Rome and from other countries. He imposed special taxes to cover the expenses of building and adorning the city, and of supplying the inhabitants with food. He erected all the needed edifices for a great capital---a hippodrome, fountains, porticoes and other beautiful adornments. He named it Constantinople ---and established it as the new capital for all the inhabitants of the North, the South, the East, and the shores of the Mediterranean…
Which conclusion can be drawn from the information in the text about Constantine?
Constantine intended that the city be open to Christians only.
Constantine selected the location of city by its potential for trade.
Constantine built the city as a seat of government with no cultural appeal.
Constantine planned the city that it could preserve the glory of Rome.
Answer (1)
Conclusion from text about ConstantineConstantine planned the city so it could preserve the glory of Rome.He enlarged Byzantium, built walls, houses, hippodrome, fountains, porticoes, and moved men of rank with their families. He imposed taxes and adorned the city to make it worthy of being a capital, showing he wanted Constantinople to reflect Rome’s grandeur and legacy.
