Constantinople served as the capital of the Byzantine Empire. Founded by the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great in 330 AD, it became a vital center of trade and culture, strategically located between Europe and Asia. The city was known for its impressive architecture, including the Hagia Sophia, and its rich cultural heritage, blending Greek, Roman, and Christian influences. Constantinople remained the capital until its fall to the Ottoman Empire in 1453. Its historical significance lies in its role as a hub of Christianity, commerce, and politics during the Middle Ages, influencing the development of Eastern and Western cultures.