Was Constantinople founded as a Christian capital?

Holland, John (2004). Was Constantinople founded as a Christian capital? University of Birmingham. M.Phil.

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Abstract

This thesis examines the theory of Krautheimer that Constantinople was founded as a Christian Capital. This theory is compared to the work of Dagron who believed the city was founded with a much more dynastic motive in mind. Under discussion are the buildings, such as the Mausoleum and Hippodrome as well as the images used by Constantine in Constantinople. The conclusions are that it was not a Christian city and that although there are elements that suggest it was in competition to Rome this was not the primary motive in the foundation. Although there are elements of the city that would become important in the future as important to the creation of Byzantium as a successor to Rome it is argued this was not the situation when the city was founded. It is suggested that there was a large element of vanity involved in Constantine's decision to found the city. That it was founded as a site of personal importance to the Emperor due to its association with his victory and for other reasons.

Type of Work:	Thesis (Masters by Research > M.Phil.)
Award Type:	Masters by Research > M.Phil.
Licence:
College/Faculty:	Schools (1998 to 2008) > School of Historical Studies
School or Department:	Institute of Ancient Antiquity
Funders:	None/not applicable
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BR Christianity D History General and Old World > D History (General) > D051 Ancient History D History General and Old World > DE The Mediterranean Region. The Greco-Roman World D History General and Old World > DR Balkan Peninsula
URI:	http://etheses.bham.ac.uk/id/eprint/5090

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