The Imperial Library of Constantinople and its Famous Disappearance

The transcript explores the history of the Library of Constantinople, its transformation from Byzantium to Constantinople, and the efforts to preserve its vast collection. It discusses the library's destruction during the Crusades and its rumored relocation to Moscow by Sophia of Byzantium. The legend of the lost library of Ivan the Terrible is also examined, with speculation about its existence beneath the Kremlin.

What is the rumored fate of the library that was supposedly moved to Moscow?

• It was sold to Italian buyers.

• It was moved to the Vatican.

• It was destroyed in a fire.

• It lies hidden beneath the Kremlin.

Which emperor is credited with transforming Byzantium into Constantinople?

• Septimius Severus

• Theodosius the Second

• Constantine

• Constantius the Second

What was the primary language adopted by Constantinople under Roman law?

• Arabic

• Turkish

• Greek

• Latin

What significant event led to the partial destruction of the Imperial Library of Constantinople?

• A great earthquake

• The Ottoman conquest

• The fall of the Western Roman Empire

• The 4th Crusade

Which emperor is believed to have obtained part of the Imperial Library's collection?

• Valens

• Charlemagne

• Constantine

• Justinian

Who was Sophia of Byzantium married to, and what was her role in the legend of the library?

• Vasili the Third; she hid the library in Rome.

• Maximus the Greek; she translated the library.

• Ivan the 3rd; she brought the library to Moscow.

• Ivan the 4th; she expanded the library.

What is the general scholarly consensus about the existence of the Library of Ivan the Terrible?

• It is widely believed to be a myth.

• It was moved to the Vatican.

• It was destroyed in the 16th century.

• It is confirmed to be hidden in the Kremlin.