Constantinople as the Economic Heart of the Empire unveils the remarkable story of one of history's greatest cities—an unparalleled crossroads where continents, cultures, and commerce converged to shape the fate of empires. From its founding by Emperor Constantine in 330 AD, Constantinople rose not only as a political and religious capital but as the bustling commercial powerhouse that connected Europe, Asia, and Africa. This definitive history explores how geography, visionary imperial policies, and the vibrant merchant classes transformed the city into a thriving hub of trade, finance, and manufacturing.

Delving deep into the intricate networks of maritime and overland trade, the book reveals how Constantinople controlled vital routes, regulated booming markets, and innovated financial systems that prefigured modern capitalism. It uncovers the dynamic interplay between imperial law, religious institutions, and economic growth, showing how the city's legal frameworks and ecclesiastical wealth bolstered commerce and social stability. Through periods of war, plague, and crisis, Constantinople's resilience shines, demonstrating how its diversified economy sustained the Byzantine Empire for over a thousand years.

Richly illustrated with analysis of primary sources, legal codes, and archaeological discoveries, this book brings to life the daily hustle of Constantinople's marketplaces, the rise of merchant elites, and the city's influence over the broader imperial economy. It also traces the city's enduring legacy—from inspiring Renaissance trade networks to sparking the Age of Exploration—and its role as a model of economic ingenuity and imperial power.

A sweeping narrative of ambition, innovation, and survival, Constantinople as the Economic Heart of the Empire is essential reading for anyone fascinated by the forces that built and sustained one of history's most extraordinary cities—and the global economic order it helped create.