Show the model of the ancient Constantinople city and point students to the locations of the Hagia Sophia, the Sea of Marmara, the Hippodrome, the Great Palace Complex, the Palace of Boukoleon, and the Walls of Constantinople. After this, describe the Great Palace and read the description of the golden throne room together. Ask students to think of a few words to describe this room based on the description. Next, discuss the hippodrome and the Hagia Sophia. Explain that this structure has been said to have “changed the history of architecture.” Ask students if they have seen a building that looks similar to the Hagia Sophia. Then describe the walls of Constantinople and describe how the structure provided protection. Finally, go over the differences between the Eastern and Western Roman empires including the difference capitals, language, religion, location, and trade.