In 332, Emperor Constantine began giving free bread to every citizen in Constantinople

History
In 332, Emperor Constantine began giving free bread to every citizen in Constantinople

To ensure loyalty and stability in his brand-new capital, Emperor Constantine the Great established a massive welfare program that provided free daily bread to 80,000 citizens in the streets of Constantinople.

In 332, Emperor Constantine the Great transformed the social fabric of Constantinople by announcing the daily distribution of free bread to its residents. This policy was designed to rapidly populate his 'New Rome' and prevent civil unrest by ensuring that no citizen went hungry.

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