Byzantine Empire Tour Guide
Daily Life and Protection in Constantinople
The Byzantine Empire is the place to be, Romans! Daily life in our fabulous city is amazing; it has lots of protection, and it is surrounded by water on 3 sides. The fourth side has 3 different walls that are 70 inches tall and 40 inches thick! A strong, bulky chain spans across the harbor to stop invaders. Our new army is better than ever, and they monitor the seas and the land at all times, 24/7. The "New Rome" is the center of trade of Africa, Europe, and Asia, so if you want the latest fashion from Korea, you can get that!
The Byzantine Empire is the place to be, Romans! Daily life in our fabulous city is amazing; it has lots of protection, and it is surrounded by water on 3 sides. The fourth side has 3 different walls that are 70 inches tall and 40 inches thick! A strong, bulky chain spans across the harbor to stop invaders. Our new army is better than ever, and they monitor the seas and the land at all times, 24/7. The "New Rome" is the center of trade of Africa, Europe, and Asia, so if you want the latest fashion from Korea, you can get that!
Emperor Justinian, Theodora, and The Justinian Code of Law
Here is some important information you should know about our laws and how they work. Here in Constantinople, we believe that everyone should have equal treatment. Theodora, the wife of the famous Emperor Justinian, helped create Justinian's Code of Law. In Justinian's Code of Law, everyone in Constantinople had equal treatment, including the emperor himself! In court, you can still be innocent until proven guilty. Some of the unreasonable laws in Constantinople are set aside, so you don't have to worry about everything being illegal! The Code of Law has shaped many of our documents as well, like the Bill of Rights.
Here is some important information you should know about our laws and how they work. Here in Constantinople, we believe that everyone should have equal treatment. Theodora, the wife of the famous Emperor Justinian, helped create Justinian's Code of Law. In Justinian's Code of Law, everyone in Constantinople had equal treatment, including the emperor himself! In court, you can still be innocent until proven guilty. Some of the unreasonable laws in Constantinople are set aside, so you don't have to worry about everything being illegal! The Code of Law has shaped many of our documents as well, like the Bill of Rights.
Recreation and Entertainment
Here is what you can do for fun in Constantinople! We have many Turkish baths, where you could meet up with friends and have a good time. The main source of enjoyment here is the Hippodrome. It was almost like the Colosseum in Old Rome. The Hippodrome held chariot races and other activities. Chariot racers often died from getting trampled by horses or by crashing into other racers. As you can see, there are multiple things you and your family can do here in Constantinople.
Here is what you can do for fun in Constantinople! We have many Turkish baths, where you could meet up with friends and have a good time. The main source of enjoyment here is the Hippodrome. It was almost like the Colosseum in Old Rome. The Hippodrome held chariot races and other activities. Chariot racers often died from getting trampled by horses or by crashing into other racers. As you can see, there are multiple things you and your family can do here in Constantinople.
Religion and the Hagia Sophia
Christianity was based on the teachings of Jesus Christ, and he was Jewish and Roman. In the Byzantine Empire, Constantine converted to Christianity and declared it the official religion in A.D. 380. Unfortunately, not everyone immediately converted, and they were discriminated. The discriminated were called pagans. If you want to be considered a citizen, and if all else fails, convert to Christianity! The Pope was in charge of the Roman Catholic Church, and the emperor was in charge of the Eastern Orthodox Church. Alas, Christianity split due to minor differences in practices. This was known as The Great Schism, and it was in A.D. 1054. For example, the Roman Catholic and the Eastern Orthodox Church were arguing about whether icons should be worshiped or not.
The Hagia Sophia is a magnificent cathedral that Emperor Justinian rebuilt. It was one of the 25 cathedrals that were rebuilt after the destructive Nika Rebellion. The Hagia Sophia is grand, beautiful, and is decorated with mosaics and marbles. Obviously, this was all on the inside. On the outside, it just looked like a regular building that everyday tourists would snap a picture of. The outside of the cathedral represented the daily world, and the inside represented the spiritual world.
Christianity was based on the teachings of Jesus Christ, and he was Jewish and Roman. In the Byzantine Empire, Constantine converted to Christianity and declared it the official religion in A.D. 380. Unfortunately, not everyone immediately converted, and they were discriminated. The discriminated were called pagans. If you want to be considered a citizen, and if all else fails, convert to Christianity! The Pope was in charge of the Roman Catholic Church, and the emperor was in charge of the Eastern Orthodox Church. Alas, Christianity split due to minor differences in practices. This was known as The Great Schism, and it was in A.D. 1054. For example, the Roman Catholic and the Eastern Orthodox Church were arguing about whether icons should be worshiped or not.
The Hagia Sophia is a magnificent cathedral that Emperor Justinian rebuilt. It was one of the 25 cathedrals that were rebuilt after the destructive Nika Rebellion. The Hagia Sophia is grand, beautiful, and is decorated with mosaics and marbles. Obviously, this was all on the inside. On the outside, it just looked like a regular building that everyday tourists would snap a picture of. The outside of the cathedral represented the daily world, and the inside represented the spiritual world.
The Fine Print: The Fall of the Byzantine Empire
Just like Ancient Rome, there were several factors that contributed to the fall of the Byzantine Empire. I am going to explain the main reason right now. In 1204, The Crusaders of Western Europe invaded Constantinople and took over. This was the key turning point in the decline of the Byzantine Empire and Eastern Christianity. Unfortunately, Constantinople only thrived for 1000 years until it fell in 1453.
Just like Ancient Rome, there were several factors that contributed to the fall of the Byzantine Empire. I am going to explain the main reason right now. In 1204, The Crusaders of Western Europe invaded Constantinople and took over. This was the key turning point in the decline of the Byzantine Empire and Eastern Christianity. Unfortunately, Constantinople only thrived for 1000 years until it fell in 1453.