Living Lively in Byzantine Times
ATTENTION, people of the 21st century! I give you the Byzantine Empire during the 10th through 15th centuries. If you enjoy many public events, then this is definitely your place. I sincerely recommend you come to this exciting point in history due to the excellent features it offers. During the reign of many emperors through out time, they provided many forms of public entertainment to keep the citizens lively. Popular public events were mostly inherited from the Greek and Roman culture such as, chariot racing and theater. (Rautman)
Chariot racing was a very enjoyable event that drew attention to many citizens. It was taken place in hippodromes that were scattered around the empire. It was usually located next to the imperial palace in Constantinople, in which the emperor sponsored these events. This 1,500 ft. by 260 ft. wide complex was able to fit as many as 60 to 80 thousand male spectators in the stands. Despite the fact that women were not able to attend, men were allowed to watch as many as 25 races in a day. (Rautman)
Another popular event that happened was theater. Back then, there used to be classical drama productions, but later on was replaced by acrobats, storytellers, jugglers, and others. In court, the church usually condemned the costumed actors and mimes that preformed broad slapstick routines. Also, the leading churchmen were very thoughtful on pantomime, which is a solo dancer who performs a reenactment of myths with many masks. Later on, they prohibited pantomime which then leads on to popularity in chariot racing. Although, surviving liturgical drama of late Byzantine theatrical display is “The Three Holy Children in the Fiery Furnance.” (Rautman)
Many civil and religious festivals and celebrations were popular throughout the empire in large cities like Constantinople and Rome. Celebrations were usually associated with street processions, masquerades, and exotic animals such as bears, lions, and elephants. Events like these were held in tents and stalls that were set up all around the outside of city walls. (Rautman)
All in all, the Byzantine times had many to offer the citizens of the city. You wouldn’t get the chance to see this in the today world of the 21st century. So come now, you will be missing a lot if you’re not here. Hopefully, I will see you at a chariot racing event, I’m sure there will be a seat available for you!
Works Cited :
Rautman, Marcus . "Entertainment in the Byzantine Empire." Daily Life through History. ABC-CLIO, 2012. Web. 25 October 2012.
http://dailylife.abc-clio.com/Topics/Display/1425991?sid=1426075&cid=103&useConcept=False
Chariot racing was a very enjoyable event that drew attention to many citizens. It was taken place in hippodromes that were scattered around the empire. It was usually located next to the imperial palace in Constantinople, in which the emperor sponsored these events. This 1,500 ft. by 260 ft. wide complex was able to fit as many as 60 to 80 thousand male spectators in the stands. Despite the fact that women were not able to attend, men were allowed to watch as many as 25 races in a day. (Rautman)
Another popular event that happened was theater. Back then, there used to be classical drama productions, but later on was replaced by acrobats, storytellers, jugglers, and others. In court, the church usually condemned the costumed actors and mimes that preformed broad slapstick routines. Also, the leading churchmen were very thoughtful on pantomime, which is a solo dancer who performs a reenactment of myths with many masks. Later on, they prohibited pantomime which then leads on to popularity in chariot racing. Although, surviving liturgical drama of late Byzantine theatrical display is “The Three Holy Children in the Fiery Furnance.” (Rautman)
Many civil and religious festivals and celebrations were popular throughout the empire in large cities like Constantinople and Rome. Celebrations were usually associated with street processions, masquerades, and exotic animals such as bears, lions, and elephants. Events like these were held in tents and stalls that were set up all around the outside of city walls. (Rautman)
All in all, the Byzantine times had many to offer the citizens of the city. You wouldn’t get the chance to see this in the today world of the 21st century. So come now, you will be missing a lot if you’re not here. Hopefully, I will see you at a chariot racing event, I’m sure there will be a seat available for you!
Works Cited :
Rautman, Marcus . "Entertainment in the Byzantine Empire." Daily Life through History. ABC-CLIO, 2012. Web. 25 October 2012.
http://dailylife.abc-clio.com/Topics/Display/1425991?sid=1426075&cid=103&useConcept=False