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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 Constantinoples 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.
Constantinoples 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 citys soldiers fought with great spirit.
They believed that they were fighting under the name and direction of the Christian god. Some of
Constantinoples soldiers 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. Its 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.