Source: Procopius, Byzantine historian – Description of Hagi…
Questions
Sоurce: Prоcоpius, Byzаntine historiаn - Description of Hаgia Sophia from AD 537. The emperor...collected together workmen from every land. It is indeed a proof of the esteem with which God regarded the emperor, that he furnished him with men who would be so useful in effecting his designs. We are compelled to admire the wisdom of the emperor, in being able to choose the most suitable of mankind to execute the noblest of his works.... A spherical-shaped dome makes it exceedingly beautiful; from the lightness of the building, it does not appear to rest upon a solid foundation, but to cover the place beneath as though it were suspended from heaven by a golden chain. Those who are in the church delight in what they see... Moreover it is impossible accurately to describe the gold, and silver, and gems, presented by the Emperor Justinian. That part of the church which is especially sacred, and where the priests alone are allowed to enter, which is called the Sanctuary, contains forty thousand pounds' weight of silver. Source: The Itinerary of Benjamin of Tudela After a five days' journey the great town of Constantinople is reached. It is the capital of the whole land which is called Greece. The circumference of the city of Constantinople is eighteen miles; half of it is surrounded by the sea, and half by land. It is a busy city, and merchants come to it from every country by sea or land, and there is none like it in the world except Bagdad, the great city of Islam. In Constantinople is the church of Santa Sophia (Hagia Sophia), and the seat of the Pope of the Greeks, since the Greeks do not obey the Pope of Rome... And in this church there are pillars of gold and silver, and lamps of silver and gold more than a man can count. Close to the walls of the palace is also a place of amusement belonging to the king, which is called the Hippodrome, and every year on the anniversary of the birth of Jesus, the king gives a great entertainment there. And in that place men from all the races of the world come before the king and queen and they introduce lions, leopards, bears, and wild asses, and they engage them in combat with one another. No entertainment like this is to be found in any other land. The Greek inhabitants are very rich in gold and precious stones, and they go clothed in garments of silk with gold embroidery, and they ride horses, and look like princes. Wealth like that of Constantinople is not to be found in the whole world. QUESTIONS: 1. How does Procopius describe the church of Hagia Sophia? 2. How does Benjamin of Tudela describe the city of Constantinople? 3. What information do the readings provide about Byzantine culture and religion? Your answer must be in your own words- do not use direct quotes. Your answer must be a minimum of 75 words.