by Mary Reed
“Cornelia!” John’s voice cracked.
She must be a hallucination, he thought, a sign he had been stricken with the plague.
Strangely, the thought made him thankful.
Or might she be a shade?
Without hesitation she stepped forward into the torchlight, into his embrace.
Glossary
All dates are CE unless otherwise noted.
AESCHINES (c 390–3l4 BC)
Athenian orator, said to have been a sausage-maker’s son. His perfume business failed. A bitter rival of DEMOSTHENES, Aeschines was fined after losing a law suit he brought against him, and subsequently retired to Asia Minor.
AESCHYLUS (c 525–456 BC)
Athenian playwright regarded as the father of Greek tragedy. He wrote dozens of plays, of which only a handful are extant. Of these, Agamemnon (458 BC) is considered by many to be the greatest surviving Greek drama. Aeschylus is said to have been killed when an eagle dropped a tortoise on his head.
ALCIBIADES (c 450–404 BC)
Athenian statesman and general, reportedly extremely handsome. Condemned to death for sacrilege, he escaped to Sparta, whose leaders he subsequently advised in their war against Athens. Eventually he returned to duty, leading the Athenians to several victories over the Spartans. This resulted in personal popularity and the quashing of his sentence. However, Alcibiades’ political fortunes declined and he was again banished. A year or so later he was assassinated in Phrygia at Spartan instigation.
ANASTASIUS I (c 430–518; r 491–518)
Minor functionary who became emperor upon the death of Zeno (d 491, r 474–491) whose widow, Ariadne, Anastasius married after his elevation to the purple. Zeno was an ISAURIAN and his brother expected to rule after him. His loss of the throne led to an ISAURIAN rebellion. Anastasius I and Ariadne were buried in the CHURCH OF THE HOLY APOSTLES.
ARGUS-EYED
Watchful. According to Greek mythology, Argus possessed a hundred eyes. The “eyes” in the pattern on a peacock’s tail are said to be his, having been placed there by the goddess Hera after his death.
ATRIUM
Central area of a Roman house. It held the household’s IMPLUVIUM.
AUGUSTAION
Square between the GREAT PALACE and the GREAT CHURCH.
BACCHUS
Roman god of wine. His Greek equivalent was Dionysus.
BATHS OF ZEUXIPPOS
Public baths in Constantinople, named after ZEUXIPPOS. Erected by order of Septimius Severus (146–211, r 193–211), the baths were a casualty of the Nika riots (532). They were rebuilt by JUSTINIAN I. Situated near the HIPPODROME, they were generally considered the most luxurious of the city’s baths and were famous for their statues of mythological figures and Greek and Roman notables.
BLUES
Followers of the Blue chariot racing faction. Great rivalry existed between the Blues and the GREENS and each had their own seating sections in the HIPPODROME. Brawls between the two sets of supporters were not uncommon and occasionally escalated into city-wide riots.
CALLIOPE
One of the nine Muses, Zeus’ daughters by Mnemosyne (Memory). Calliope is the muse of eloquence and epic poetry.
CAPITOLIUM
Little is known about this building, reportedly constructed by order of Constantine I (c 288–337, r 306–337). Three sides of the Capitolium featured exedras, a number of monuments made of porphyry stood before it, and the building itself displayed a cross.
CERATE
Thick ointment made from wax, lard, and medicinal components, applied to the skin or to dressings and bandages.
CHARON
In Greek mythology Charon ferried the souls of the departed across the River Styx to the underworld. His payment was the coin placed under the tongues of the dead.
CHRIST THE PHYSICIAN
See ROMANOS MELODOS.
CHURCH OF THE HOLY APOSTLES
Constructed by Constantine I (c 288–337, r 306–337) as his place of burial. In addition to its portion of the COLUMN OF FLAGELLATION, the church owned relics of SS Andrew, LUKE, Timothy, JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, and a number of other saints and martyrs.
CITY PREFECT
High-ranking urban official whose principal duty was to maintain public order.
COLUMN OF FLAGELLATION
Pillar to which Christ was bound for scourging before crucifixion. Made of marble with green, white, and black veining, a tapering portion measuring approximately two feet long is presently displayed in St Praxedis Church in Rome. See CHURCH OF THE HOLY APOSTLES.
COMPLUVIUM
Oblong or square opening in the roof of an ATRIUM. It permitted rain to fall into the IMPLUVIUM.
CONCRETE
Roman concrete, consisting of wet lime, volcanic ash, and pieces of rock, was used in a wide range of structures from cisterns to the Pantheon in Rome, which has survived for nearly 2,000 years without the steel reinforcing rods commonly used in modern concrete buildings. One of the oldest Roman concrete buildings still standing is the Temple of Vesta at Tivoli, Italy, built during the first century BC.
CROCUSES TO CILICIA
Equivalent to carrying coals to Newcastle, Cilicia being famous for its saffron.
DEMOSTHENES (384–322 BC)
Considered by many to be the foremost Greek orator. Having spoken out against the growing danger posed by the Macedonians, after the triumph of their general Antipater (398–319 BC) he committed suicide rather than fall into enemy hands.
DERBE
Lycaonian town through which St Paul passed during his missionary journeys.
DIOGENES (c 412–323 BC)
Ascetic philosopher born in Sinope. He taught the virtue of a simple life. Said to have given away all his possessions and thereafter taken up residence in a tub. He reputedly once carried a lantern during a daylight search for an honest man.
DODONA
Shrine in northwestern Greece. Its oracular pronouncements were interpreted from sounds made by leather thongs slapping against a brass plate hanging on the sanctuary’s sacred tree or alternatively from the rustling of its leaves.
EPIGRAMMIST
Author of pithy poems dealing pointedly with a single subject and written in the manner of a memorial inscription. In Greek literature, the term includes a wide variety of short verse, sometimes of a satiric nature.
ERINNA OF RHODES (fl 600)
Greek poetess. She died at a young age and little of her work has survived.
EUNUCH
Eunuchs played an important role in the military, ecclesiastical, and civil administrations of the Byzantine Empire. Many high offices in the GREAT PALACE were typically held by eunuchs.
EXCUBITORS
GREAT PALACE guard.
FLAVIAN (d 449)
PATRIARCH of Constantinople who was falsely condemned, deposed, and banished. He died in exile as the result of a savage beating.
GORGONIUS (d 304)
Although he held high office in the imperial household, Gorgonius was martyred in 304 during the persecution of Christians ordered by Diocletian (245–313, r 284–305).
GREAT BULL
See MITHRA.
GREAT CHURCH
Colloquial name for the Church of the Holy Wisdom (Hagia Sophia). One of the world’s great architectural achievements, the Hagia Sophia was completed in 537, replacing the church burnt down during the Nika riots (532).
GREAT PALACE
Situated in the southeastern part of Constantinople, it was not one building but rather many, set amidst trees and gardens. Its grounds included barracks for the EXCUBITORS, ceremonial rooms, meeting halls, the imperial family’s living quarters, churches, and housing provided for court officials, ambassadors, and various other dignitaries.
GREENS
Followers of the Green chariot racing faction. Great rivalry existed between the BLUES and the Greens and each had their own seating sections in the HIPPODROME. Brawls between the two set
s of supporters were not uncommon and occasionally escalated into city-wide riots.
HERODOTUS (c 484–425 BC)
Greek author of The Histories, a lively and informative narrative of the wars between Greece and Persia covering the histories of both countries as well as those of Egypt and Babylon. Herodotus traveled extensively and his work is largely based on personal observation and contains comments on archaeology, architecture, geography, unusual customs, and beliefs, among other things. Now known as the Father of History, in antiquity he was dubbed the Father of Lies because of the incredible and extremely unlikely stories he included in his work.
HIPPODROME
U-shaped race track near the GREAT PALACE. The Hippodrome had tiered seating accommodating up to a hundred thousand spectators. It was also used for public celebrations and other civic events.
HOLY FOOL
Holy Fools engaged in extremely unconventional and sometimes obscene behavior as a method of demonstrating spiritual lessons, as well as pointing up onlookers’ sinful ways. Their antics included dancing with prostitutes, relieving themselves in the street, over-eating during periods of fasting, disrupting church services, going about naked, and so on.
INSTITUTES
Part of the definitive codification of Roman law ordered by JUSTINIAN I. The Corpus Juris Civilis (Body of the Law) as it is now known was issued between 529 and 535 and consisted of The Institutes, a basic introduction to the law; the Digest, which included selections from classical jurists; and the Codex, dealing with legislation dating from the reign of Hadrian (76–138, r 117–138) onward. The Novels, a collection of legislation issued by JUSTINIAN I, was added between 535 and 565. This codification served as the foundation for present day civil law in most European countries and those whose legal systems are based thereon.
IMPLUVIUM
Shallow pool in the center of an ATRIUM. Situated under the COMPLUVIUM, it caught rain for household use and also served a decorative purpose.
ISAURIA
Province in Asia Minor, occupied by a notoriously rebellious people. ANASTASIUS I quelled a revolt, but although the Isaurians were soundly defeated at the battle of Cotyaeum (491) it took several years to finally subdue them. JUSTIN I, adoptive father of JUSTINIAN I, was a commander in the army during this campaign.
ISOCRATES (436–338 BC)
Attic orator and teacher. His slaves famously included a number of skilled flute-makers. He is said to have committed suicide upon hearing of the defeat of the Athenians at Chaeroneia by Philip II of Macedonia (382–336 BC, r 359–336 BC). However, given Isocrates’ advanced age at the time, his death may well have been due to natural causes. His tomb was distinguished by a tall pillar topped by a statue of a siren.
JOHN CHRYSOSTOM (c 347–407)
Born in Antioch, St John Chrysostom (Golden Mouthed, a tribute to his eloquent preaching and writings) became PATRIARCH of Constantinople in 398. His piety, condemnation of the immorality of those in positions of power, and numerous charitable works made him well loved by the populace. Enemies in the imperial court, civil administration, and the church itself brought false accusations against him and he was exiled. After severe riots in Constantinople he was recalled to the city, but was soon again banished. Eventually ordered moved to an even more isolated location, he died during the journey. In 438 his remains were brought to Constantinople and buried in the CHURCH OF THE HOLY APOSTLES.
JUSTIN I (c 450–527, r 518–527)
Born in present day Macedonia, Justin and two friends journeyed to Constantinople to seek their fortunes. All three joined the EXCUBITORS and Justin eventually rose to hold the rank of commander. He was declared emperor upon the death of ANASTASIUS I. Justin’s nephew JUSTINIAN I was crowned co-emperor in April 527, four months before Justin died.
JUSTINIAN I (483–565, r 527–565)
Adopted nephew of JUSTIN I. His ambition was to restore the Roman Empire to its former glory and he succeeded in regaining North Africa, Italy and southeastern Spain. His accomplishments included codifying Roman law (see INSTITUTES) and an extensive building program in Constantinople. He was married to THEODORA.
KALAMOS
Reed pen.
KOLLYBA
Small cakes made of boiled wheat, nuts, and dried fruit, eaten when prayers for a departed person were made at the gravesite at set intervals during the month after the death, and again a year later. In today’s Greek Orthodox Church similar cakes are distributed at memorial services.
LEANDER’S TOWER
According to Greek mythology, Leander was a young man who lived on the Asian side of the Hellespont. He fell in love with Hero, a priestess of Aphrodite who lived on the European shore. Every night Leander swam across the Hellespont to visit her, guided by a torch placed on a tower by his beloved. One night, however, he was drowned in a sudden storm. When his body washed ashore, Hero committed suicide by throwing herself from the tower into the sea. Subsequent versions of the legend occasionally mistakenly placed Leander’s nightly swim in waters other than those of the Hellespont.
LEX FALCIDIA
Law guaranteeing heirs would receive a certain portion of the estate.
LORD CHAMBERLAIN
Typically a EUNUCH, the Lord (or Grand) Chamberlain was the chief attendant to the emperor and supervised most of those serving at the GREAT PALACE. He also took a leading role in court ceremonial, but his real power arose from his close working relationship with the emperor, which allowed him to wield great influence.
LUKE
Accompanied St Paul on some of his missionary journeys. Luke, a physician by profession, is the patron saint of doctors and surgeons. Certain of Luke’s relics were owned by the CHURCH OF THE HOLY APOSTLES.
MARCUS AURELIUS (121–180; r 161–180)
Adopted by his uncle by marriage, Antoninus Pius (86–161, r 138–161), and succeeding him, Marcus Aurelius sought to improve conditions for slaves, criminals, and the poorer classes. However, he also persecuted Christians, viewing them as a threat to the empire. His MEDITATIONS (167) expound upon his Stoic philosophy and sense of moral duty.
MASTER OF THE OFFICES
Official who oversaw the civil side of imperial administration within the GREAT PALACE.
MEDITATIONS
See MARCUS AURELIUS.
MESE
Main thoroughfare of Constantinople. Its entire length was rich with columns, arches, and statuary depicting secular, military, imperial, and religious subjects as well as fountains, churches, workshops, monuments, public baths, and private dwellings, making it a perfect mirror of the heavily populated and densely built city it traversed.
MIMES
After the second century CE mime supplanted classical Roman pantomime in popularity. Unlike performers of pantomime, mimes spoke and did not wear masks. Their presentations featured extreme violence and graphic licentiousness and were strongly condemned by the Christian church.
MITHRA
Persian sun god. Born in a cave or from a rock, he slew the GREAT BULL, from whose blood all animal and vegetable life sprang. Mithra is usually depicted wearing a tunic and Phrygian cap, his cloak flying out behind him, and in the act of slaying the GREAT BULL. He was also known as Mithras.
MITHRAEUM
Underground place of worship dedicated to MITHRA. They have been found on sites as far apart as northern England and what is now the Holy Land.
MITHRAISM
Of Persian origin, Mithraism spread throughout the Roman empire via its followers in various branches of the military. It became one of the most popular religions before being superseded by Christianity. Mithrans were required to practice chastity, obedience, and loyalty. Women were excluded from Mithraism. Some parallels have been drawn between this religion and Christianity because of shared practices such as baptism and a belief in resurrection as well as the fact that Mithra, in common with many sun gods, was said to have been born on December 25th. Mithrans advanced within their religion through seven
degrees. In ascending order, these were Corax (Raven), Nymphus (Male Bride), Miles (Soldier), Leo (Lion), Peres (Persian), Heliodromus (Runner of the Sun), and Pater (Father).
NICARCHUS (known 1st century)
Greek EPIGRAMMIST. Over 40 of his epigrams are extant, many of them lampooning physicians.
NOMISMATA (singular: NOMISMA)
Gold coin at time of JUSTINIAN I.
NUMMI (singular: NUMMUS)
See NUMMUS.
NUMMUS (plural: NUMMI)
Smallest copper coin during the early Byzantine period.
PATRIARCH
Head of a diocese or patriarchate. The ancient patriarchates were those of Rome, Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem.
PLAGUE
Writings by Procopius (known 6th century) and John of Ephesus (c 505–c 585) provide vivid eyewitness accounts of the Justinianic plague. It appears to have broken out in Egypt or central Africa and, spreading along trade routes, arrived in Constantinople in the spring of 542. Sufferers generally died within three days of the onset of symptoms, which included hallucinations, fever, anxiety, chills, and swellings in the armpits, groin, or beside the ears. Some patients lived only a few hours after infection. In many cases, victims’ bodies became covered with black blisters. In Constantinople up to 10,000 people died each day, so that by the time the plague departed the population of the city had been reduced by 40 per cent.
ROMANOS MELODOS (known 6th century)
Hymn-writer and saint, Romanos Melodos (The Melodist) composed over a thousand works, whose subjects included sacred festivals and saints’ lives. About 60 have survived, including Today the Virgin Gives Birth and THOUGH THOU DIDST DESCEND INTO THE TOMB. Medical metaphors used by CHRIST THE PHYSICIAN appear in Romanos’ composition on the Passion. Born in Syria, Romanos Melodos is thought to have lived in Constantinople from 515 to 556.
SAMSUN’S HOSPICE
Founded by St Samsun (d 530), a physician and priest. Also known as Sampson or Samson the Hospitable, he is referred to as the Father of the Poor because of his work among the destitute. His hospice was near the GREAT CHURCH.
STRATEGION
Forum in north Constantinople, close to the Golden Horn.
STYLITES
