The capital of the Byzantine Empire was Constantinople, renowned for its significant architecture and strategic significance. Founded by Roman Emperor Constantine the Great in 324 AD, it became the center of Byzantine culture and commerce. The city was famous for its magnificent structures, including the Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture known for its massive dome and exquisite mosaics. Constantinople served as a vital link between Europe and Asia, flourishing as a hub of trade, culture, and religion until its fall to the Ottoman Empire in 1453.