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Since the dawn of civilization, the Anatolian Peninsula has been the home of numerous empires that would control the fate of classical, medieval, and premodern Europe. While the history of Anatolia begins in the early Iron Age, the age of Greek dominion of Europe marks the firstof Anatolia's many empires. As the Roman Republic rose to power, Anatolia was the frontier zone between the constantly-warring Romans and the remnants of Alexander's Empire. As the Republic became the Roman Empire, Anatolia hosted the empire's capital city during the zenith of its European hedgemony. As western urban spaces declined in the early Medieval age, Constantinople prospered and saw the rise of many modern religions. One of these religions would be at the heart of the burgoning Ottoman Empire, which would inherit the Eastern Roman tradition and would eventually spread as far west as Spain. Under Ottoman rule, Anatolia played host to the same multitude of artistic and cultural influences. The legacy of Anatolia as a stage in classical, medieval, and premodern world affairs is visible in the rich variety of art that calls the peninsula home. The Museum of Ancient Anatolia was concieved to pay homage to this rich and diverse tradition, reflected in today's world in countless aspects.