Questions about Byzantium

Short answers, pulled from the story.

When was Byzantium founded by Byzas according to Herodotus?

Herodotus states that the traditional founding of Byzantium occurred in 667 BCE. This date marks when Byzas, a king from Megara, sailed northeast across the Aegean Sea to establish the settlement.

What is the origin of the name Byzantium and its meaning?

One theory suggests Thracian roots derived from the personal name Byzas meaning he-goat. Pliny the Elder mentions an earlier name Lygos corresponding to a Thracian settlement before ancient Greek texts used Byzántios for inhabitants.

Who refounded Byzantium as Nova Roma and when did this happen?

Constantine I refounded the city as Nova Roma in 330 CE inspired directly by Rome. Later generations called it Constantinople meaning city of Constantine in Greek after making it the capital of what historians now call the Byzantine Empire.

Which event involving Philip of Macedon led to the erection of a statue of Hecate lampadephoros?

A bright light appeared in the sky during a dark wet night in 340 BC when Philip of Macedon attempted a surprise attack against Byzantines and their Athenian allies. The Byzantines erected a statue of Hecate lampadephoros to commemorate this event which thwarted his forces.

When did Ottoman Turks conquer Byzantium and when was Istanbul officially renamed?

Ottoman Turks conquered the city on the 29th of May 1453 and named it Istanbul though official renaming did not occur until 1930. Ankara remains the national capital today while Istanbul stays the largest population center.