Byzantion: the beginning of the Constantinople

Byzantium was the ancestor of the Constantinople and İstanbul. Golden Horn has always attracted the people. The original name was Byzantion: the Roman Empire renamed it Byzantium in the Latin language.

The Roman Empire tried to use ‘’Agusta Antonina.’’ name in the Third Century. However, it didn’t work out. Ceaser Septimus Severus tried it out. And then I. Konstantin tried to rename the city as ‘’Nova Roma.’’ After he passed away, the administration had chosen Constantinapolis.

As the Ottoman Empire conquers the city, the sultan renamed it Konstantiniyye: the Turkish version of Constantinople.

Why has the Byzantion name been used?

The settler’s story has an exciting situation. There have been myths and realities: King Byzas wanted to know where he should have built the city and asked location to the Delphi oracle. There had always been a wise oracle at the temple. Oracle told him he should settle next to the stone-blind people. There was a settlement that renamed Chalcedon (Kalkedon in Turkish version). Chalcedon means the land of the blind.

While Byzas and his followers were sailing through the Aegean sea, the storm took place at sea. Everyone was afraid of the situation. However, the Moon goddess Hekate saved the fleet and let them sail through the Golden horn. There was a coin to reveal the past with the star and crescent symbols.

The settlers came from Mageia city. Ancient Greek cities were prominent at that time-lapse. Moreover, they need to build various cities to support the trade network — Byzantion city founded in 667 B.C.

The trade network is the keyword in the ancient period. Calcedon and Byzantion were in the middle of the trade route. As it’s a strategic position, Byzantion lost the power, and the Roman Empire conquered the city.