Introduction

Although often overlooked, cities are an important part of history.  Nearly every civilization and empire in world history has been centered around a city.  And these cities are not just a by-product of empires; the special conditions of cities are an essential element in making civilization and empires possible.  In providing a central spot for people to come together to trade, create, exchange ideas, and organize, cities become the economic, cultural, and administrative heart of a nation or empire; a heart the greater whole could not exist without.

No city in world history has been more important over the last two thousands years than Constantinople (a.k.a. Istanbul).  It was built to be the capital of an empire and became the heart and soul of two later empires.  Known as the Queen of Cities in the Middle Ages, it has been one of the world's most important cities for nearly 2,000 years and continues to be so today.  This project will look at Constantinople, the Queen of Cities, and explore more broadly the role of cities in human history.