From the eastern promontory to
the Golden Gate, the extreme length of Constantinople was
above three Roman miles; the circumference measured between
ten and eleven; and the surface might be computed as equal
to about two thousand English acres. It is impossible to
justify the vain and credulous exaggerations of modern
travellers, who have sometimes stretched the limits of
Constantinople over the adjacent villages of the European
and even Asiatic coasts. But the suburbs of Pera and Galata,
though situate beyond the harbour, may deserve to be
considered as a part of the city, and this addition may
perhaps authorise the measure of a Byzantine historian, who
assigns sixteen Greek (about sixteen Roman) miles for the
circumference of his native city. Such an extent may seem
not unworthy of an imperial residence. Yet Constantinople
must yield to Babylon and Thebes, to ancient Rome, to
London, and even to Paris....
"Some estimate may be formed of the expense bestowed with
imperial liberality on Constantinople, by the allowance of
about two millions five hundred thousand pounds for the
construction of the walls, the porticoes, and the aqueducts.
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