In matters of government and religion
In matters of government and religion, Alexandria did what it needed to do to remain on good terms with Constantinople, if always with reservations....
Alexandria never forgot that across the Mediterranean
Alexandria never forgot that across the Mediterranean and up through the Aegean lay the path to Constantinople—a city we will visit in later pages....
Like Dioscoros the Apiones
The emergence of this kind of superrich family subtly undermined imperial authority. They were no longer one of several dividing up the power in...
Monastic metropolis west of Constantinople
Cosmas returned to Alexandria to write his stories, and that’s why we know of him. Christian Topography, his lavish illustrated book, is something that...
Ellatzbaas launched his invasion from Ethiopia
Then Ellatzbaas launched his invasion from Ethiopia, beginning with a solemn Mass in Axum cathedral, followed by the blessing of a fleet of seventy...
A single piece of gleaming white marble
The throne was cut from a single piece of gleaming white marble. The visitors were surprised to see this, because they knew of such...
