The Book of Ceremonies by Constantine VII Porphyrogennetos on the Organization of Competitions at the Hippodrome of Constantinople

Abstract

The article focuses on the understudied topic both in Russian and Western historiography – the process of organizing sports competitions at the Hippodrome of Constantinople. The following aspects are analyzed: the drawing procedure and the participation of imperial officials in the draw ceremony, the classification of athletes, the order of chariot races, the rules of their supporter cheering (acclamations), the connections between these actions and the imperial cult, the seating layouts for various categories of spectators in the stands. The process of breeding and treating racehorses is examined. The unique Byzantine racing practice – the diversium – is described. Special attention is given to safety precautions during races. The largest competitions are characterized. The system of remuneration of professional athletes is studied. The main source of information on the organization of sports competitions in Byzantium is the treatise of Emperor Constantine VII Porphyrogennetos (945 – 959) “De Ceremoniis aulae Byzantinae” which contains an extensive on the Hippodrome of Constantinople. The complete translation of this voluminous