Episode 54
The term “metropolis” is frequently used, but its definition varies slightly depending on who you ask. In modern times, some countries have legally defined what constitutes a metropolis, but generally, people agree that a city with a population of over 500,000 can be considered a metropolis. Of course, this is a modern standard; in the Middle Ages, the story was quite different.
Back then, a city with a population of even 50,000 was considered large. In 14th-century France, Paris boasted a population of about 100,000, while Lyon and Orléans had only around 30,000. The situation in England was similar, with London barely reaching 50,000 in the 14th century. In the late 12th century, there wasn’t a single city in Western Europe with a population exceeding 100,000.
Even Rome, once the largest city in the world, had long since fallen into decline, reduced to ruins and memories. When I first arrived in Western Europe, I was disheartened by the reality of medieval cities. They were nothing like the grand 3D models I’d seen in videos. The cities were dirty, commerce was underdeveloped, and the entire city would be shrouded in darkness as soon as night fell. But this was the reality of the Middle Ages.
In contrast, the sight of Constantinople before me was both shocking and awe-inspiring.
“Who would have thought a city like this existed?”
Unlike me, who had only known of Constantinople through books, those seeing it for the first time were left speechless, their mouths agape. Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire and later known as Istanbul, was a metropolis that boasted one of the largest populations in Europe, even in modern times. In all of Europe, only Istanbul and Moscow have populations exceeding ten million, with Istanbul’s population reaching a staggering 15 million.
In this era, the city’s status was even more elevated than it is today. Even Robert, who had some knowledge of Constantinople’s grandeur, struggled to contain his amazement.
“Dean Robert, do you know the population of this city?”
“I’ve heard it’s unmatched in Europe, but seeing it in person, the scale is beyond imagination.”
“Indeed. It’s said to have a population of over 400,000, possibly nearing 500,000, with nearly 80,000 foreigners.”
“500,000!”
In an age where cities with even 50,000 people were rare, a population of 500,000 was mind-boggling.
“I knew it in theory, but seeing it is truly a spectacle. Of course, a city bearing the name of Rome should at least be this grand.”
“When I heard people from the Byzantine Empire mock Rome as a backwater, I was furious. But seeing this, I understand why they say that. Not that it makes me any less angry… it’s a complicated feeling.”
It’s inevitable. There isn’t another city in the world right now that can compare to Constantinople. In the past, perhaps the capitals of the Song Dynasty or the peak of Baghdad could rival it, but those days are long gone.
Of course, Constantinople won’t maintain its current prosperity forever. After the Komnenos dynasty, the empire’s power will plummet, and this great city will shrink along with it. It’s hard to believe that in 250 years, this magnificent city will have a population of only 40,000. The current prosperity feels like the last burst of light before the end, leaving a bittersweet taste.
As I pondered these thoughts, I noticed signs of decline already visible in the city. Despite its wealth and size, the faces of the merchants passing by seemed burdened with worry, and the city felt heavy.
I turned to the bishop who had come to greet us.
“Are we heading straight to the palace? Is His Majesty at the Great Palace or the Blachernae Palace?”
“Have you been here before? You seem well-informed.”
Well, anyone interested in Roman history would know these things. I know where the emperor is, but it’s best not to appear too knowledgeable.
“My attendant is from Constantinople, so I’ve heard many stories.”
“Oh, I see.”
The bishop’s gaze briefly shifted to Fatima, who was walking behind me.
“Welcome back to your homeland, sister. May Christ’s blessing be with you.”
“Ah… yes.”
Unaware that she was a Muslim, the bishop seemed a bit flustered by her stiff response and cleared his throat awkwardly.
“Did she leave her homeland under unfortunate circumstances?”
“It seems so.”
“Please convey my apologies to her later. Anyway, His Majesty is currently at the Blachernae Palace, not the Great Palace. It’s been preferred over the Great Palace for the past century.”
“I see. So we should head to the Blachernae Palace?”
“Yes, for the audience. But first, the Patriarch wishes to meet the Prophet. Would that be acceptable?”
The Patriarch requesting a meeting before the Emperor… how should I interpret this? Before I could respond, Dean Robert clicked his tongue in displeasure.
“We expected to meet His Majesty first.”
“Oh, there’s no hidden meaning. His Majesty is eager to meet the Prophet as well. The audience is scheduled for tomorrow. The Patriarch simply wishes to meet the Prophet today to receive his blessing.”
“Hmm… if that’s the case. What do you think, Prophet?”
“How could I refuse the Patriarch of Constantinople? Let’s go. I have no objections.”
Though I said this, I had a good idea of the Orthodox Church’s intentions. Isaac II was known for his greed, which often clouded his judgment. The bishops and the Patriarch must be aware of this. Perhaps they want to discuss matters with me to prevent any potential mishaps.
Of course, I pretended to be oblivious, gazing innocently at the cityscape outside the carriage.
“The Patriarch is at Hagia Sophia, correct?”
“Yes, the Hagia Sophia also serves as the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. It’s a beautiful cathedral, embodying the essence of wisdom.”
“I’ve heard much about it. I’m looking forward to seeing it in person.”
This wasn’t just polite conversation; it was genuine excitement. Seeing the Hagia Sophia in its original form, before it was converted into a mosque by the Ottoman Empire, was a rare opportunity. Without the minarets surrounding it and with a cross gleaming atop its dome, it was a strikingly beautiful sight.
Dean Robert and Fatima, each for their own reasons, were also captivated by the cathedral’s grandeur.
“This is the heart of the Orthodox Church… but it doesn’t quite move me like St. Peter’s Basilica.”
“It’s beautiful, but the Masjid al-Haram feels more majestic.”
Just as I was getting absorbed in the moment, their comments threatened to spoil it. I let their attempts at self-consolation slide and focused on the countless sculptures and icons.
The preservation was remarkable, untouched by the looting of the Fourth Crusade. It was a sight that would bring tears to the eyes of modern historians.
As I admired the cathedral, the Patriarch approached with a brisk pace.
“Welcome to the cathedral! I hope your journey was comfortable. If there’s anything amiss, please let me know, and I’ll address it immediately.”
“Not at all. I’ve been enjoying the magnificent cityscape all day.”
“I’m glad to hear that. Allow me to introduce myself formally. I am Georgios II, appointed as the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople this year.”
“Thank you for the warm welcome. I am Edward Marshall, Count of Auvergne.”
After exchanging polite greetings, I was led inside and seated comfortably. Georgios II, while trying to appear nonchalant, cautiously asked,
“Thank you for accepting our invitation. Is there anything I can assist you with before tomorrow’s audience?”
“If you don’t mind, I’d like to hear the honest opinions of the Orthodox Church and the Byzantine side on this matter. It would help me mediate more effectively.”
“Mediation…”
The Patriarch murmured softly, then asked again with a careful tone,
“Do you truly believe the rift between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches can be healed?”
“Absolutely.”
“Forgive my caution, but neither His Majesty nor our church intends to bow to the Catholics. Yet, isn’t that what the Catholics desire?”
“True. But let me ask, doesn’t the Orthodox Church wish for the Catholics to bow to them?”
With neither side willing to back down, the conflict was bound to remain unresolved, a battle of pride with no end in sight.
In truth, neither party had any intention of reconciling from the start.
The archbishop, feeling the sting of the truth, took a moment to compose himself, letting out a quiet sigh.
“Yes, we may not be so different from the Catholics. To be honest, I see no reason to return to the past.”
“But you do realize that, given the current situation, there is no other choice?”
“Indeed. That’s why I have something important to discuss.”
The archbishop glanced briefly at Robert and Fatima, who stood behind me, before continuing.
“I’m truly sorry, but could we speak privately?”
“Of course.”
I nodded casually, and Fatima immediately turned and left the room. Cardinal Robert shot a sharp look at the archbishop but followed Fatima without a word.
Once their footsteps faded, I fixed my gaze on the archbishop.
“So, what is it you wish to ask?”
“Please, keep everything we discuss here in absolute confidence.”
“Understood. I swear to God, I will keep your secret.”
“Thank you. I wanted to inform you beforehand because if we proceed with the audience tomorrow without any explanation, the Prophet might misunderstand. Please understand that this is not the official stance of the Orthodox Church.”
What on earth is he about to say that requires such a preamble?
I signaled with my eyes for him to get on with it, and the archbishop let out a deep sigh before speaking.
“Well… His Majesty plans to try and sway the Prophet.”
“I suppose that’s not entirely unexpected.”
Was all this buildup just for that?
Sensing my incredulity, the archbishop shook his head vigorously.
“No, it’s more specific than that… The plan is to get him drunk and then… send in a woman.”
”…?”
So, they’re planning a seduction trap?
‘This is insane.’
I barely managed to swallow the curse that almost escaped my lips.
It seems that a nation destined to fall will find its way down.
To think that the awe I felt upon arriving in Constantinople would dissipate in just one day.
Impressive, Isaac II.