Traveller Probo

Professor Taylor’s first impression of Constantinople was of such a thriving city that he didn’t know where to look. Stallholders called out their wares, from fresh figs and pomegranates to savoury flat breads loaded with chick peas, lentils, and unidentified meats. Noisy donkeys pulled small carts or tottered under bundles of cloth, firewood, or people, while slaves shovelled dung from the cobblestones as citizens went about their daily business. The slaves were obvious, dressed in short, undyed tunics. Women in shapeless shifts shopped or carried large pots for the collection of water from fountains at crossroads. Children herded goats and a few men crowded about a small table where two of their fellows noisily played a game that looked like Backgammon.

The busy main thoroughfare, known as the Mese, was faced by buildings backed by cultivated land where vegetables and fruit trees grew in abundance. The city’s western approach, protected by walls of Theodosius, allowed the city to grow food, especially important in the event of a military siege.

The cart made its steady way until they approached another set of walls, the older walls of Constantine with its second Golden Gate. This also had its guards, though they were uninterested in their party. This second gate was even more ornate, with sheets of highly-polished brass that shone in the sunlight, while a mixture of bronze and realistically painted marble statues were arrayed atop the massive walls. Leon’s two cudgel-wielding assistants were now compelled to gently clear a way through the crowds as the cart led the rest of the Travellers through a busy, vital city. Colonnaded buildings housed shops and the walled homes of the wealthy, while grand churches glittered with gold and silver crucifixes on domed roofs. A noisy parade of pilgrims sang and danced as they were lead onwards, while a bearded priest stood on the steps of one church. Dressed in ornate robes, he watched them with unabashed curiosity. Soon the cart turned into a narrower road where terraced housing was festooned with lines from which dyed fabrics hung above them in gaily coloured banners.

The tanners’ enclave was heralded by a foetid smell that seemed to coat the nostrils and sinuses. In pools of lurid liquids, slaves stripped hair from soaked hides, the liberal use of urine in the curing process giving the area a particularly nauseating aspect. Taylor immediately covered his nose, at which Leon gave a twisted smile. “I bid welcome, my friend. There’s a smell, granted but you’ll get used to it. We cure hides and, to me, it reeks of wealth. The army has contracted us to supply quality leather to the illustrious houses who manufacture armour and other supplies, so we have to source all the hides we can. As you can see from the contents of my cart, we also supply the best soft leather hides from goats and sheep.” Leon took a deep breath of satisfaction and smiled. “Our leather is the best and as we are required to supply more, our business grows. It must be God’s will that I have met you. Normally, this task is left to my son. He couldn’t collect this small shipment for he’s busy preparing for his wedding. Rumour has it that the House of Pericles, maker of the finest goods for the noble houses, desires a more reliable supply of leather. We have been in discussion, so yes, this smell is our smell, and smells of gold!”

“So, busy and prosperous times for your house good Leon,” congratulated Professor Taylor as he reluctantly removed his hand.

“Yes, the business of war treats us well,” boasted Leon. “Our brave emperor and soldiers have finally, after more seasons than any can count, defeated the vile Bulgars.” He spat at their name, wiped his mouth, and continued. “They were a mighty foe but our armies are mightier. Large armies mean supplies and, it seems, the armorers and saddlers still demand the best leather. Many of our brave soldiers will stay in Bulgaria to keep the enemy cowed, so there is still a need, for which we give thanks.” He took a deep, satisfied breath as the cart continued its glacial progress.

Following their noses to the familiarity of home, the donkeys were stopped by a large, battered warehouse. As they passed through the gates, the odour became marginally subdued. Leon gestured to his guests, “My friends, I bid you welcome and offer my humble hospitality. You are free to stay here. My people will make quarters that are more befitting and, as my guests, you will be safe.”

As McFee helped Professor Taylor from the cart, a sullen block of a man appeared, introduced as Gallienus, a name that suited the blunt features of his Gallic ancestry. He supervised as slaves scampered to set up simple beds that were little more than timber frames with a rope mattress strung like a taut hammock. Professor Taylor felt dismayed but the irrepressible Poxon tested one and cheerily gave a thumbs up as he declared it comfortable enough.

After settling in, the Travellers gathered and Professor Taylor could tell he was not the only one who was excited. The professional soldiers had a look of quiet anticipation as they agreed to explore before the evening settled in. Leon shook his head in apology. “Had I been prepared for your visit, I would offer you greater comfort. Go, explore our immediate surrounds. It is safe enough. I will have a repast prepared for your return and Gallienus will organise guides for the morrow.” Their host gave a small bow. “But I must now go to the bathhouse to meet with my business partner and a buyer from the army. So, tomorrow night, we dine, yes? You will be my guests and we will show to you, my friends, what the hospitality of the great City can be. You are now the guests of Leon of Hadrianopolis,” he declared with his arms wide. “Go! The day is late but on the morrow you must explore our wonders, and return hungry and thirsty. I bid you the Lord’s Peace.”

Gallienus gave them rudimentary directions, so they decided to explore as a group. With an excitement he was sure he hadn’t felt since childhood, Professor Taylor and the rest of the Travellers set off to discover the ancient Byzantine city of Constantinople.