Constantine I, also referred to as Constantine the Great moved the Roman Empire’s principal capital to Byzantium, an ancient Greek city on the European side of the Bosporus Strait that was strategically located between Europe and Asia. Constantine picked Byzantium primarily for its strategic location, which provided better protection from barbarian invasions and easier defense against both land and sea attacks. Between 324 and 330 AD, Constantine initiated extensive construction projects in Byzantium to transform it into a worthy capital. However, it soon became known as Constantinople in honor of Constantine himself.