Question

Why did Constantine move the capital of the Roman Empire?

a. He wanted to separate groups that threatened the unity of the empire.
b. He thought the capital should be centered on the Italian peninsula to make it easily accessible to all Romans.
c. He wanted to protect the Western Empire from invasions by sea.
d. He believed that locating the capital in an area that had more trade and business would ensure the future of the empire.

Answer 1

Answer: d. He believed that locating the capital in an area that had more trade and business would ensure the future of the empire.

The city of Byzantium underwent a change in name when Constantine transferred the capital of the Roman Empire to this place in 330. He renamed the city Constantinople (the city of Constantine). He also designated this city as the "New Rome." He believed that locating the city in an area that had more trade and business will ensure the future success and prosperity of the empire.

Answer 2

Constantine moved the capital of the Roman Empire because he believed that locating the capital in an area which had more trade and business would ensure the future of the empire - d. It is known that the Western Roman Empire was still "alive" for a few centuries after this has happened, while the Eastern Roman Empire endured for another 1000 years.