The ancient name for the Greek city that became Constantinople and is now Istanbul; also refers to the Byzantine Empire.
From Greek 'Byzantion,' the original settlement founded by colonists from Megara. The city was named after their leader Byzas. The name evolved through Latin into English as Byzantium and the adjective form Byzantine.
Byzantium was perfectly positioned—it controlled the strait between Europe and Asia, making it incredibly valuable. When Rome moved its capital there in 330 AD, it literally changed the course of world history and became one of the greatest empires ever.
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