The 3rd and 4th centuries CE of the Roman Empire were characterized by turbulence, instability of emperors, and an out-of-control empire. Thus, Diocletian, reigning from 284 to 305 CE, had a reasonable idea: to split up the Empire and have multiple emperors, one in charge of each region. While this creation of the Tetrarchy, or “rule of four” certainly helped stabilize the Empire, it also had two other lasting effects: the split of the Roman Empire into East and West, and the creation of capitals outside of Rome. The Tetrarchy didn’t last very long, since as soon as Diocletian retired, civil war broke out between contenders for the throne. 19 years later, Constantine I, also known as Constantine the Great, defeated all of his enemies in battle, and became sole ruler of the once again reunited Empire (although the distinction between East and West still stood, and the Empire would split again soon after). The creation of new capitals outside Rome during the Tetrarchy had planted a seed in Constantine's mind. With the Empire being so vast, especially to the East, Rome was quite far away from most of the provinces. In addition, following the period of instability of emperors, the city itself was in decline architecturally, infrastructurally, economically, etc. Moving the capital to a new place, preferably closer to the East and with opportunities to start anew, seemed ideal for Constantine.

Constantinople as Nova Roma and the Roman Legacy in Istanbul

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