Byzantium was an ancient city located on the Bosporus Strait, strategically positioned between Europe and Asia. Founded by the Greeks in 657 BCE, it later became known as Constantinople when the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great made it the capital of the Roman Empire in 330 CE. The city was renowned for its impressive architecture, including the famous Hagia Sophia, and served as a major center of trade and culture. The term "Byzantium" is often used to refer to the Byzantine Empire, which emerged after the division of the Roman Empire. This empire lasted for over a thousand years, preserving Greek and Roman knowledge while influencing art, religion, and law. The Byzantine Empire played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity and was known for its complex bureaucracy and rich cultural heritage.