Historical cities around the world

Istanbul is the crown jewel in an important thread of history. When it was known as Constantinople, it was the capital of the Byzantine Empire following the fall of Rome, and it was a significant stop in the Silk Roads. In fact, due to its central location between the East and the West, most classical civilizations played some part in shaping it. Istanbul was also an Ottoman capital until it was dissolved after World War I.

Istanbul is the crown jewel in an important thread of history. When it was known as Constantinople, it was the capital of the Byzantine Empire following the fall of Rome, and it was a significant stop in the Silk Roads. In fact, due to its central location between the East and the West, most classical civilizations played some part in shaping it. Istanbul was also an Ottoman capital until it was dissolved after World War I.

Reminders of each element of its rich history can be witnessed throughout the city, because much of it is marvelously preserved. A great example is the Hagia Sophia, which was a massive church under the Byzantine Empire that was converted into a mosque during the Ottoman rule.

ISTANBUL, TURKEY

It is believed that the Phoenician Queen Dido founded Carthage around 900 BC. The Romans ultimately brought the Carthaginian Empire to ruin as a result of the Punic Wars. Because of its central location, however, they realized that is was a necessary strategic location in their empire. Under Julius Caesar, the city was revived and ultimately flourished as a colony. Unfortunately, Carthage’s plight as a foreign conquest did not end there. The Vandals, Muslim Conquerors, and the Byzantines all had their hand in Carthage’s history. Many ruins were left behind including Roman villas, the ancient Antoine Baths, the Sanctuary of Tophet, and the Punic Port that still harbors remarkable views of the sea.

• It is believed that the Phoenician Queen Dido founded Carthage around 900 BC. The Romans ultimately brought the Carthaginian Empire to ruin as a result of the Punic Wars. Because of its central location, however, they realized that is was a necessary strategic location in their empire. Under Julius Caesar, the city was revived and ultimately flourished as a colony. Unfortunately, Carthage’s plight as a foreign conquest did not end there. The Vandals, Muslim Conquerors, and the Byzantines all had their hand in Carthage’s history. Many ruins were left behind including Roman villas, the ancient Antoine Baths, the Sanctuary of Tophet, and the Punic Port that still harbors remarkable views of the sea.