ShadowOfConstantinople氏による、教会がローマの戦車競技に膝を屈した歴史

ShadowsOfConstantinople @RomeInTheEast

Chariot races in the Hippodrome were the most popular sport in the city, but the Church “never saw them in a positive light” but eventually had to accept them. Famous Saints like John Chrysostom criticized them in their sermons as a “satanic spectacle”. Nonetheless, “these races were so deeply rooted in the strong Roman imperial tradition that the Church never succeeded in reducing the interest of the populace in hippodrome activities.” John Chrysostom wrote of the races: “some of those who listen to this [sermon] have forgotten everything and surrendered themselves again to the satanic spectacle of the races . . . They give greater applause to the charioteers and show an uncontrollable frenzy. They rush together with great excitement and often wrangle with one another, saying that one horse ran badly, another was tripped and fell. One person attaches himself to one charioteer, another to the other. They have no thought or memory of our words, nor of the spiritual and awesome mysteries which are celebrated here; but like captives in the snares of the devil, they spend the whole day there, surrendering themselves to the satanic spectacle.” Why did the Church oppose the races though? In the opinion of Engin Akyurek, it was more political: “The real concern of the clergy was that the hippodrome activities alienated their congregation from the Church, and perhaps that money that was potentially Church revenue was being wasted in the Hippodrome.” He added that the Church likely exaggerated their criticisms of the races. “They believed that Hippodrome activities involved pagan elements, nude shows, pagan statues, dancing, prostitution, violence, and atrocities. It is true that the early ages of Byzantine hippodrome festivals featured pagan elements, eroticism, and violence; however, towards the Middle Ages, bloody gladiator fights, hunting wild animals, and pantomime shows with pagan elements were banned, and imperial ceremonies gained prominence. Even so, sculptures of which the Church disapproved, chariot races which were considered a waste of time, and entertainments in the Hippodrome all continued to exist in one form or another throughout the history of Constantinople. Despite all the power it exerted, the Church was unable to bring an end to the hippodrome activities that were integral for imperial ceremonies.” The imperial interest ultimately caused the races in the Hippodrome to go on and be an important part of the social fabric of Constantinople until 1204. “Despite its initial rejection of hippodrome activities and chariot races, the Church eventually accepted them.” Why though? Because the “Emperors supported hippodrome activities and ensured their continuation because they were integral parts of the cult of the emperor and imperial ceremonies.” Eventually, the Church even participated in events held in the Hippodrome. The Patriarch even attended events “organized to mark the anniversary of the foundation of Constantinople which also featured chariot races.” But the Church also left its own imprint on the rituals of the hippodrome. “During this festival, bread, fish, and especially vegetables were distributed to the poor free of charge, and the Church took credit for this display of charity.” If you can’t beat them, join them. Source: The Hippodrome of Constantinople by Engin Akyurek @profdrakyurek

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ShadowsOfConstantinople @RomeInTheEast

The Hippodrome of Constantinople by Engin Akyürek is a really good book on the fascinating history of one of Constantinople’s most important features. amzn.to/3Fg68yg