Question

Which statement does not accurately describe why Constantine chose Byzantium as his new capital? The location made it easier to defend the empire. A network of caravan routes, seaways, and paved imperial highways linked the location to three continents. The location was near fertile farmland where crops grew in abundance. Great heroes such as Achilles and Hector had engaged in epic battles at that location.

Answer 1

The correct option is D

The term "Byzantine" derives from Byzancio, an ancient Greek colony founded by a man named Byzas. Located in the European region of The Bosphorus (direct access between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean), the site of Byzantium was conceived at the beginning to serve as a point of transit and trade between Europe and Asia Minor. In the year 330 AD, the Roman Emperor Constantine I, chose Byzantium as the site where the new Roman capital, Constantinople, would be erected. Five years earlier, at the Council of Nicaea, Constantine had established Christianity as the official religion of Rome (formerly considered a Jewish sect of obscure origin). The citizens of Constantinople and the rest of the Eastern Roman Empire, strongly identified themselves as Romans and Christians, although many of them spoke Greek and not Latin.

Answer 2

d. Great heroes such as Achilles and Hector had engaged in epic battles at that location.

Explanation:

• Constantine wanted to build his new capital  on the site of old Byzantium, saying that it was a New Rome (Nova Roma). The city had a range of advantages. It was nearer  to the Empire's geographical centre.
• The Emperor Constantine recognized the strategic importance of the Bosphorus Strait on the European side, and in 324 CE the empire was restored to create a new capital-Constantinople.
• It had been almost entirely surrounded by water so it can be defended easily (especially if there is a chain kept across the bay). It was an outstanding port because of the Golden Horn and still convenient access to the Danube river region and Euphrates borders
• It is further believed that to celebrate his universal victory, Constantine chose the Byzantium city as his new capital. Choosing Byzantium as the new imperial city was perhaps Constantine's avenging the praetorian guard and Roman senate that ahd supported the Maxentius