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The water-supply of the new capital was one of the most important undertakings of the day.^[144] While the water-works of Byzantium, as improved by Hadrian, continued to be used, they were extended, to render the supply of water more abundant. What exactly was done for that purpose is, however, a matter of conjecture.^[145]

To the construction of the aqueducts, porticoes, and fortifications of New Rome sixty centenaria of gold (£2,500,000) were devoted.^[146]

The health of the city was consulted by building sewers far underground, and carrying them to the sea.^[147]

With the view of drawing population to the new city, Constantine made the wheat hitherto sent from Egypt to Rome the appanage of Constantinople, and ordered the daily free distribution of eighty thousand loaves.^[148] The citizens were, moreover, granted the Jus Italicus,^[149] while, to attract families of distinction the emperor erected several mansions for presentation to Roman senators.^[150] House-building was encouraged by granting estates in Pontus and Asia, on the tenure of maintaining a residence in the new capital.^[151]