HST 197 Chapter Notes - Chapter 16: Chariot Racing, Feudalism
Document Summary
Byzantine was rich in large, prosperous, cosmopolitan cities, including alexandria, antioch, and. Until muslim conquests, byzantium was the world"s most urbanized society. Residents of the empire enjoyed the benefits. Constantinople had no rivals among byzantine cities. The heart of the city was the imperial palace. Gold fountain that spouted wine for imperial guests. Aristocrats had huge palaces that had courtyards, reception halls, libraries, chapels and quarters for extended members of the family. In 5th century, constantinople had 4388 mansions, 14 imperial palaces. Women lived in separate apartments and didn"t receive male visitors from outside the household. They didn"t participate in banquets or parties. Upper class women wore veils to discourage attention of men outside their families. Dwellings of the less privileged were not so nice. Artisans and crafts workers commonly lived in rooms above their shops. Constantinople was the city of baths, that were sites of relaxation and exercise. Taverns and restaurants offered settings for social gatherings.
