King Byzas
Early Life
King Byzas was born in the ancient city of Megara, located in present-day Greece. His father was the renowned King Nisos, a figure of significant importance in Greek mythology. Byzas' early life was marked by the typical upbringing of a prince, with education in politics, warfare, and the arts.
Founding of Byzantium
In 667 BC, Byzas, guided by the Oracle of Delphi, set out to establish a new city. The Oracle's prophecy suggested that he should settle "opposite the blind," a cryptic message that led Byzas to the Bosporus Strait. Here, he found a settlement on the Asian side of the strait, Chalcedon. Deeming its inhabitants "blind" for overlooking the superior location on the European side, Byzas founded his city, Byzantium, there.
Rule of Byzantium
Byzas' rule was marked by prosperity and growth. He established a strong political structure, ensuring the city's stability. The strategic location of Byzantium, straddling the European and Asian continents, allowed it to flourish as a hub of trade and culture.
Legacy
Byzas' legacy is most evident in the city he founded. Byzantium would later be renamed Constantinople under Emperor Constantine in AD 330 and is known today as Istanbul, Turkey's largest city. The name Byzantium also lived on in the term "Byzantine Empire," used by historians to describe the Eastern Roman Empire.