History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire — Volume 6Gibbon, Edward
History
History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire — Volume 6
Gibbon, Edward
Byzantine Empire -- History -- To 527; Rome -- History -- Empire, 30 B.C.-476 A.D.
the Franks; whole streets had been consumed by fire, or were
decayed by the injuries of time; the sacred and profane edifices
were stripped of their ornaments: and, as if they were conscious
of their approaching exile, the industry of the Latins had been
confined to the work of pillage and destruction. Trade had
expired under the pressure of anarchy and distress, and the
numbers of inhabitants had decreased with the opulence of the
city. It was the first care of the Greek monarch to reinstate the
nobles in the palaces of their fathers; and the houses or the
ground which they occupied were restored to the families that
could exhibit a legal right of inheritance. But the far greater
part was extinct or lost; the vacant property had devolved to the
lord; he repeopled Constantinople by a liberal invitation to the
provinces; and the brave _volunteers_ were seated in the capital
which had been recovered by their arms. The French barons and the
principal families had retired with their emperor; but the
patient and humble crowd of Latins was attached to the country,
and indifferent to the change of masters. Instead of banishing
the factories of the Pisans, Venetians, and Genoese, the prudent
conqueror accepted their oaths of allegiance, encouraged their
industry, confirmed their privileges, and allowed them to live
under the jurisdiction of their proper magistrates. Of these
nations, the Pisans and Venetians preserved their respective
quarters in the city; but the services and power of the Genoese
deserved at the same time the gratitude and the jealousy of the
Greeks. Their independent colony was first planted at the seaport
town of Heraclea in Thrace. They were speedily recalled, and
settled in the exclusive possession of the suburb of Galata, an
advantageous post, in which they revived the commerce, and
insulted the majesty, of the Byzantine empire. 21
18 (return) [ The site of Nymphæum is not clearly defined in
ancient or modern geography. But from the last hours of Vataces,
(Acropolita, c. 52,) it is evident the palace and gardens of his
favorite residence were in the neighborhood of Smyrna. Nymphæum
might be loosely placed in Lydia, (Gregoras, l. vi. 6.)]
19 (return) [ This sceptre, the emblem of justice and power, was
a long staff, such as was used by the heroes in Homer. By the
latter Greeks it was named _Dicanice_, and the Imperial sceptre
was distinguished as usual by the red or purple color.]
20 (return) [ Acropolita affirms (c. 87,) that this “Onnet” was
after the French fashion; but from the ruby at the point or
summit, Ducange (Hist. de C. P. l. v. c. 28, 29) believes that it
was the high-crowned hat of the Greeks. Could Acropolita mistake
the dress of his own court?]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account