jan 1, 330 - 330 C.E. Constantine Claims Byzantium

Description:

This is an excerpt from a collection of historical documents written by Sozomen, a Christian lawyer and church historian. He dedicated this book to emperor Theodosius II, to document the years 324 - 439. The end of the book is missing, either lost or never finished. Sozomen used much of the works of Socrates Scholasticus, another historian. The attached image is a modern cover of the compilation of Sozomen's various historical texts.

The excerpt details how Constantine came to Byzantium in 330 and greatly enlarged the city. He built high walls, many houses, fountains, and other pieces to beautify the city. He also gave out free rations to the inhabitants of the city. Constantine renamed the city Constantinople, after himself, as well as New Rome. This event further demonstrates the growth of Byzantium into an even more powerful and beautiful city, and establishes an even stronger presence.

Sources:

Primary Source:
Sozomen (d. c. 450 CE), Ecclesiastical History, II.3
Secondary Source: “Sozomen.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sozomen

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