The Centrality of Constantinople, Capital of a Medieval Empire, Judith Herrin (King's College London), The Chinese University of Hong Kong via Zoom, October 23, 2024, 5:00–6:30 pm (HKT)
Among states identified as empires in the Middle Ages, Byzantium had the unusual advantage of a fixed, permanent capital between the fourth century and 1204. The city, dedicated by Constantine the Great in 330 as New Rome, also replaced all previous imperial capitals. Named Constantinople after its founder, it became the Queen of Cities, the largest and richest in medieval Christendom. Through eight centuries of imperial administration, its government was constantly renewed and adapted to novel circumstances, drawing strength from traditions transmitted orally as well as in writing through many generations. This lecture will analyze the significance of such a solid, unmoving centre for a medieval empire.