Constantinople

About this episode

This episode explores the history and significance of Constantinople, focusing on its transformation and the fall in 1453.

From humble beginnings as a modest Greek colony, through its later grandeur as part of the Roman and Ottoman Empire, the city of Constantinople has witnessed centuries of transformation. A melting pot of cultures and religions, it was the bridge between the East and West, where ideas, trade, and people converged. How then, did Mehmed II succeed where so many others had failed? What did the fall of the city in 1453 mean for the next stage of its history? And what other highs, lows, and ruthless ambition did it witness for more than a millennium? This is a Short History Of….Constantinople. A Noiser production, written by Nicola Rayner. With thanks to Bryan Ward-Perkins, Emeritus Professor of Late Antique History at the University of Oxford, and the author of The Fall of Rome and the End of Civilization. And, Geoffrey Greatrex, professor of Classics at the University of Ottawa. For ad-free listening, exclusive content, and early access to new episodes across the Noiser network, join ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Noiser+⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Now available for Apple and Android users. Click the subscription banner at the top of the feed to get started. Or go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠noiser.com/subscriptions⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more…

People in this episode

Host: Nicola Rayner

Topics covered

• history
• Constantinople
• Ottoman Empire
• Roman Empire
• cultural transformation
• Mehmed II
• fall of Constantinople

Keywords

• Constantinople
• Mehmed II
• Ottoman Empire
• Roman Empire
• cultural melting pot
• history
• transformation
• 1453

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: University of Oxford, University of Ottawa

Places: Constantinople

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