Constantinopŏlis

, now Stamboul , formerly Byzantium, the capital of Thrace, a noble and magnificent city, built by Const an tine the Great, and solemnly dedicated A.D. 330. It was the capital of the eastern Roman empire, and was called after its foundation, Roma nova , on account of its greatne , which seemed to rival Rome. The beauty of its situation, with all its conveniences, have been the admiration of every age. Constantinople became long the asylum of science and of learned men, but upon its conquest by Mahomet  II. , 28th May, 1453, the profe ors retired from the barbarity of their victors, and found in Italy the protection which their learning deserved. This migration was highly favourable to the cause of science, and whilst the Pope, the head of the house of Medicis, and the emperor, munificently supported the fugitives, other princes imitated their example, and equally contributed to the revival of literature in Europe.