Constantinople: The Story of the Old Capital of the Empire

"Constantinople: The Story of the Old Capital of the Empire" by William Holden Hutton is a journey through the ages of a legendary city. This historical work paints a picture of Constantinople, from its humble beginnings as Byzantium to its glory days as the heart of the Eastern Roman Empire. It shines a light on its strategic location linking continents, its grand architecture, and its major part in the story of both Christianity and the Byzantine Empire. The book starts by showing the reader the wonder and respect that Constantinople's beautiful setting and long history inspire. Hutton’s words express his deep love for this “home of the Cæsars of the East,” emphasizing its importance as a center for trade and culture between Asia and Europe. From its founding by the Greeks to its rise as Constantine's Roman capital, the author uses detailed descriptions and references to ancient writers to help readers understand Constantinople's majesty and its lasting effect over centuries of dramatic events.