Daily Life in the Byzantine Empire Housing In Constantinople, different types of homes existed for different people based on wealth and social level. The rich lived in single family homes that were two stories tall and were built of brick. These homes were designed in the Roman style: a blank wall faced the street, and inside rooms opened up to a courtyard with a garden, fountain, and trees. In addition, these homes had balconies where wives would sit and watch people and events taking place on the maze-like side streets that gave them privacy. The poor lived in multi-story apartment buildings that were built high and narrow to save land and money. They were usually built of stone, brick, or wood. There was no glass for window, only wooden shutters. Trade and Commerce Much of Constantinople’s success as the religious and political capital of the Byzantine Empire was due to its thriving trade and economic wealth. Boats and horses continually arrived to the city bringing spices, jewels, clothing, and natural resources. Enormous warehouses built near the harbor held the imported goods until they could be sent to where they were needed. Constantinople’s busy trade system made the city colorful and entertaining. The markets were filled with the shouts of merchants describing the beauty of their goods and the smells of food stands with foods from Egypt, Spain, and around the world. Artisans and craftsmen filled the markets selling jewelry, silverware, expensive cloth, books, and carved ivory figures. Military Protection For many hundred years after it was founded, military techniques in Constantinople were advance compared to other societies at that time. A large army, huge walls and towers, and powerful military technology made the city strong. In addition, the city’s soldiers fought with great spirit. They believed that they were fighting under the name and direction of the Christian god. Some of Constantinople’s soldier’s rode horses and fought with bows and arrows and shields. Others fought on foot and used swords, daggers, and a special kind of ax with a blade on one side and a spike on the other. Finally, Greek Fire a special weapon of the city. It’s recipe was only known to those in the Byzantine Empire. It could be thrown a short distance and would explode into a frightening cloud of smoke and fire. Even water could not put out the fire. It was often used by the navy and carried in small boats called karabos.
Public Works and Charity The social levels were treated differently in Constantinople. There were different laws for rich people and poor people. Wealthy people could not be put to death or punished harshly. To help the city’s many poor people, the Church ran hospitals, orphanages, and homes for the poor and elderly. Daily meals and bread were available. In addition, the government created public baths to be sure everyone in the city was clean and fairly healthy. Empress Theodora worked to improve the living conditions of young, poor women by giving them housing, money, food, and even attractive clothing. Education Social levels also impacted education in Constantinople. Artisans and craftsmen were considered to be low class and did not attend school. Instead, children of craftsmen learned a skill, such as blacksmithing or weaving, as an apprentice (a person who learns a job through experience). Daughters of wealthy citizens stayed at home to learn to cook, clean, and sew. Sons of wealthy families received a theoretical education (meaning they learned about ideas but not about practical, real world things). These boys often attended a university as they got older. There they would study Greek, Latin, philosophy, and law. Not many scientific discoveries were made at this time since technology was not considered important. Religious Life Since Christianity became the official religion of the Byzantine Empire in A.D. 380, Constantinople was the Christian capital of the world. The emperors of Constantinople used the motto, “One God, One Empire, One Religion.” Religious services lasted several hours. Parades and royal processions (like parades) occurred on religious holidays. On Easter, the government gave lambs to the city’s restaurants so that all citizens (both rich and poor) could enjoy a feast on the religious holiday. Recreation Constantinople was a large, advanced city with many opportunities for public entertainment. Within the city were 14 palaces, 4,388 houses, 322 streets, 8 public baths, 153 private baths, 4 open market places, 2 theaters, and a hippodrome (an open stadium for horse and chariot racing). Socializing on the streets, in the marketplaces and in the restaurants was very popular. The theater featured pantomimes, jugglers, ballet dancers, and actors. One of the favorite recreation activities was attending the circus. Trained animals, acrobats, and musicians performed in the circus and in the streets. Chariot races were also exciting events. The stadium held 60,000 people. Everyone cheered for the white, red, blue, or green chariots based on where they lived. Each colored chariot team represented a different deme (neighborhood) in the city.
