24. So Many Nicknames
In addition to bearing several proper names throughout the centuries, Constantinople has also had countless nicknames. One of its many names, Megalopolis referred to its size, as it means “great city.” Another, Basileousa, gave it the honor of being known as the “queen of cities.” Vikings, who traveled far further than many realize, named it Miklagard for “big city.” The Arabs referred to it by an Arabic name meaning “city of the Romans,” or Rūmiyyat al-kubra.
