Handbook of Byzantine Protocole and Ceremonies

Don_Giorgio

One more addition today... I ll post the ceremonies of promoting someone ro the office of Comes Admisionum, Comes Scholae, Proconsul Praectus P raetorioand Praefectus Augustalis.
Of these offices the two last ones (Proconsul and Praefectus Augustalis) were abolished along with their ceremonies in 7th century as the old Roman administration was substituted by the Themata System. Praefectus Augustalis was the Governor of Egypt and the title along with the promotion ceremony was abolished after Egypt was lost to the Arabs.
These ceremonies date from Leo's I times (if not earlier).


Ceremonies to be observed when promoting someone to the office of Comes Admisionum and Comes Scholae

The ceremony takes place in the Chrysotriklinos where the Emperor sits on his throne and is surrounded by the nobles.
The Emperor announces the name of the new Comes and orders the former Comes Admisionum to escort his successor inside.
When the new Comes Admisionum enters Chrysotriklinos he offers his obedience to the Emperor by kissing his feet.
Then the Emperor hands over to the new Comes the Codicellus (letters patent) and the new Comes after receiving it he falls in prostration kissing the Emperor's feet.
Then the new Comes receives his predeccesor and along with him they stand before the Emperor.
The Emperor then hands over to the former Comes Admisionum the Codicellus of promotion to "Vir Illustris" .
When the former Comes received the Codicellus he falls in prostration and kisses the Emperor's feet.
Then the new Comes Admisionum escorts his predecessor to the place where the "Viri Illustrii" stand and he takes his place among his peers.
Same ritual is followed when promoting someone to the office of Comes Scholae.


Ceremonies to be observed when promoting someone to the office of Praefectus Augustalis or Praefectus Praetorio.

The Emperor notifies the Senate at least one day before that he intends to replace the Praefectus Augustalis. In reality the notification was given several weeks ago in order that the former Praefectus to be able to travel from Alexandria to Constantinople for the ceremony.
The ceremony is identical to the above with some slight changes.
If the nominee isnt of Senatorial rank then he is created a Senator before being promoted to the office of Praefectus Augustalis.
When inside the Chrysotriklinos he sits along with the other Counts (Cometes) and when outside he takes his place along with other provincial Governors.
After the new Praefectus Augustalis has received its Codicellus a procession is formed heading towards the Regia under cheers of the factions.
The new Praefectus Augustalis is in the head of the procession on a chariot escorted by the Praefectus Praetorio Orientis.
Upon reaching Regia they turn towards Praetorium where the 2 Praefecti have a small chat in the Praefectus Praetorio Orientis Office and then leave each to their home.
Same rituals are observed when the Emperor promotes someone to the offices of Praefectus Praetorio Orientis or Praefectus Praetorio per Illyricum with the difference that during the procession the new Praefectus Praetorio is escorted by the most senior Proconsul of Illyricum or of the East.
 

Don_Giorgio

Today i will post some short narrations about the election/proclamation of Emperors Leo I, Leo II, Anastasius I, Justin I, Justinian I and Nicephorus II
(So far only about these guys i have detailed informations)

Election/Proclamation of Leo I
In 27 January 457 Emperor Marcian died aged 65 from gangrene after he fell and broke his leg.
On the next morning the Senate met in order to elect his successor. After a fierce debate which lead to no conclusion Aspar threw the name of Comes Leo. THe Senators accepted Aspar's proposal and voted in favour of Aspar's motion and then send couriers to announce the Senate's decision to the army and the factions.
Then the Senators along with the rest of the nobles went to the Scholae army camp where they were met with other dignitaries, Patriarch Anatolius and Magister Officiorum Martialis.
When the nobles were gathered the Guards entered carrying the Labara and other flags and after them the factions entered.
After lowering the flags everybody started shouting these:
"Hear us oh God!"
"May Leo become Emperor"
"Oh most merciful God the people demand Leo to become Emperor!"
"The Army demands Leo to become Emperor"
"The factions demand Leo to become Emperor"
"The Palace accepts Leo as Emperor!"
"This is the wish of the Palace! This is the wish of the People! This is the wish of the Army! This is the wish of the Senate!"
"The People expects Leo!"
"The Army accepts Leo"
"Come Leo for the common good and become Emperor"
"Oh God please hear us!!!"

Afterfinishing the last sentence Leo appeared before the crowds who then started cheering for him.
Leo then stood in the middle while one of the captains of the Guards named Busalgus putted around his neck a golden necklace called "Maniakion" while another captain named Olympius handed over to his right hand a second "Maniakion".

Then the Guards raise the flags and the Labara high and everybody shouts:
"Oh Leo Augustus you Win! You are pious and venerable!"
"God gave you to us and God will preserve you"
"Respect Christ and you will win for ever"
"May Leo reign for many years!"
"God will guard our christian Kingdom"

After that the Imperial robes are brought along with the Crown and the Candidati form a circle around Leo as he changes clothes.
When he is ready he is presented to the people who cheer in joy and the nobles offer him their obedience one by one according their rank.
When the nobles are done 2 spears are thrown in Leo's feet X-shaped and a large shield above them.
Then Leo is called to step upon the shield and captain Busalgus presents him with a lance while captain Olympius presents him with a shield and helps him put it on.
Then the shiedbearers lift Leo up in the air while he is on the shield while the people shouts these:
"Most Powerful, Victorious, Venerable, Joyous, Joyous!"
"God gave you to us! God will preserve you!"
"Respect Christ and you will be forever victorious!"
"May God guard our Christian Kingdom"

After that a herald starts exclaiming these:
Herald: Imperator Caesar Leo Victorious Forever Augustus!
Herald: The Almighty God, the Senate's vote, the mighty Army, the Roman Republic has elected you Emperor.
People: Leo Augustus you win! May the God who elected you preserve you. May God guard your election along with the pious Kingdom. Pious and Powerful!
Leo: You have elected me your comrade in arms as Imperator Caesar Augustus and your Lord and i ll be with you always with your help!
Army: May your reign be Victorious!
Army: May you are joyous always!
Leo: I will do that!
All: Most Pious! Most Powerful! Most Scholar!
Leo : For the beggining of my reign i will give to everyone present here 5 gold pieces and a litre of silver!
All: Oh Most Pious and Helpful! May your reign be joyous
Leo: God is with us!

After that a procession is formed and leads Leo to the Church where he enters Metatorion escorted by the Magister Officiorum and the 2 Praefecti Praetorio.
There he removes the crown from his head and standing in the middle of the Church he prays.
After finishing his pray he wears his crown again and leaves the Church.
Then he rides a white horse and heads in procession till the Church of St. John the Baptist.
He enters the Metatorion and removes his crown gibing it to the Praepositus while the Emperors enters the Altar and gives offerings to the Church in gold and leaves the Church.
Upon exiting the Church he wears the Crown again and rides his horse heading in procession till the Elenianon (which was the Palace Gate till the construction of Chalke Gate) where he is met by the Palace Gauards and accepts their obedience.
Then Leo retires to a nearby chapel and changes his purple coronation robes with the formal ones aka purple boots, white divetision, purple chlamys.
As soon as Leo changed clothes he foes in procession to Campus Martius where the Patricians await and kiss his hands.
Then in procession Leo boards a chariot and is escorted to the forum of Constantine where he accepts the obedience of Praefectus Urbi and of the Princeps Senatus who present him witrh a golden laurel wreath.
After that the procession continues passing through the Augustaeum towards the Church where he removes the Crown and offers gold to the Altar. A Gospel is the read and after that Leo wears his crown again and leaves returning to the Palace in procession under cheers of the army and the nobles.
In the Palace Leo takes his place in the throne in Daphne and the nobles surround him.
An oath is read loudly that they will not conspire against Leo and the nobles swear.
Then Leo proceeds on foot to the Augustaeum where he meets his wife Verina and after kissing her in the forehead they enter to the Triclinum where a Banquet is thrown for the occasion.

I ll split it since now i realised that its rather big... ;)
Next part propably tomorrow...
 

Don_Giorgio

Election/proclamation of Anastasius I

In 9 April 491 very early in the morning Emperor Zeno was found dead in his personal chambers propably after suffering a fatal epileptic seizure.
It should be noted though that some historians mention that the combination of epilepsy with his heavy drinking just rendered him unconcious without any visible vital signs and Ariadne thought that this was the perfect chance to get rid of him so he had him buried alive.
Anyway... As soon as the chamberlains discovered Zeno's bodythey immediately notified the Empress and the Senate.
Before sunrise the Senators along with the Patriarch were gathered outside the Triclinum and escorted Zeno's body to the Hippodrome were the factions along with the Imperial Guards were gathered.
Then Empress Ariadne appeared in the Imperial Box wearing the Imperial Purple chlamys (traditionally reserved only for the Emperor) and was escorted by the Praepositus, the Magister Officiorum, the Castrensius,the Quaestor and the Patriarch. The rest of the Senators and the nobles took their place below the Empress near the track.
As soon as Empress Ariadne appeared in the Box the factions cheered for her like this:
Factions: Ariadne Augusta you Win! Grant her life oh Lord! Have mercy on us Lord! May you reaign for many years! Grant us an Orthodox Emperor!

Empress Ariadne responded to them by whispering her speech to a herald and the herald shouted Ariadne's speech.
Ariadne's answers were these:

Ariadne: Our Grace has done everything to preserve the Kingdom! And you all helped to that!
Factions: We are servants to you Augusta! Ariadne Augusta you Win! Grant her life oh Lord! Have mercy on us Lord! May you reaign for many years! Grant us a Roman Emperor!
Ariadne: Becuse of your petitions we have ordered the Glorious Nobles and the Holy Senate to elect a Christian, Roman, virtuus man!
Factions: Ariadne Augusta you Win! Grant her life oh Lord! Have mercy on us Lord! May you reaign for many years! Oh Divine King give us a virtuus Emperor!
Ariadne: I repeat! we have ordered the Glorious Nobles and the Holy Senate to elect a man in God and in the presence of the Gospels and the Patriarch without being influenced by ties of friendship, emnity, family or any other ties! With clear conscience before God!
All: Happy Easter to everyone! May you reign for many years Augusta! Kick out the thief Praefectus Urbi! Many years to you! May God shine upon you noble Roman Empress! The Empire is yours Ariadne Augusta! You Win!
Ariadne: We thank God for accepting your petitions through us! And according to your will Julian will be the new Praefectus Urbi!
All: This is good for us!!!
Ariadne: As long as you protect me i will protect you and your interests! And now we will hold a meeting with the Glorious Nobles and the Holy Senatein order to elect a holy and orthodox Emperor!

As soon as the Empress finished the sentence she left Hippodrome along with her escort and head towards Augustaeum where the chamberlains had already set up a throne and chairs for the nobles and the Senators.
As soon as Ariadne sat on the throne a fierce debate began over who would be the next Emperor but the Senators couldnt reach to an agreement as everyone was pushing himself.
Then the Praepositus Urbicius rose and adressed the Senate by saying:
Why fighting among ourselves? I believe its wiser to let our noble Empress to choose herself whoever she wishes!
Initially Ariadne refused to do so and the Senate called for the Patriarch to intervene and convince her that this is the best option.
Finally Ariadne was convinced and exclaimed "I choose Anastasius Silentiarius as Emperor!"
Then the Senate ratified the election and immediately a detachment of Imperial Guards was sent to Anastasius's home to bring him over to Augustaeum, while Ariadne and the nobles proceeded to contact Zeno's funeral.
After the funeral Anastasius was brought in the Gates of the Triclinum where he was by the Senate and the Patriarch.
In the Triclinum Anastasius swore an oath to upkeep the Nicene faith and to fullfill his duties with integrity.
After that Anastasius was lead to the Hippodrome where he received the obedience of the Senators while the Imperial Robes were brought. Anastasius then wore a white sticharion, white divetision and purple boots. And then enters the Imperial Box.

While Anastasius was dressed the Imperial Guards enter the track holding the Labara and the flags lowered to the ground. While the factions occupied their usual places.
Then a captain of the Guards puts on his neck the Maniakion while 2 lances are thrown on his feet X-shaped and a large shield is thrown over them.
Then the shieldbearers raise him high on the shield while on the same time the Imperial Guards raise the Labara and the flags under cheers from everyone.
After this ceremony is over Anastasius returns in procession to the Triclinum where he sits on the throne and wears the Purple chlamys (the one Ariadne wore previously).
Then the Patriarch enters and after reciting a small prayer he crowns him.
As soon as the Patriarch crowns him everyone present shouts "Augustus!"

Then Anastasius adresses the army and the factions like this:
Imperator Caesar Augustus i say to you that it is obvious that we are parts of the most Glorius Empire and i can assure you that i will reign on the same pious and pure way i lived so far.
Imperator Caesar Augustus the most gracious Empress Ariadne, the most Glorius nobles and Senators, the mighty armies have elected me against my will as Roman Emperor according to the wishes of the Holy Trinity.
At this point Anastasius's speech is interrupted by cheers of the faction saying:
Factions: God have mercy on us and him! Anastasius Augustus you Win! May God preserve you most pious Emperor! God granted you to us and may God preserve you!
After this interruption Anastasius continues his speech:
Imperator Caesar Augustus, I wont ignore the burden of this responsibility...
Again the factions interrupt him by shouting:
Factions: Worthy of the Empire! Worthy of the Trinity! Worthy of the City!
Anastasius resumes once again his speech:
Imperator Caesar Augustus i thank God for this election and i hope in your support!
Factions: If you believe in God he will save you! May you reign as you have lived! You lived piously and you will reign piously! Ariadne you win! Many years to you Augusta! Have mercy on your servants as Emperor Marcian did!
Anastasius continues with his speech:
Imperator Caesar Augustus, Because of this holiday of our election i will give to every citizen 5 gold coins and 1 litre of silver!
Factions: May God preserve our most Christian Emperor! Oh Lord may the Romans win! Anastasius Augustus you Win! Ariadne Augusta you Win! God has granted us an Emperor! God will preserve us! Imperator Augustus! God is with us!

After the last sentence a procession is formed leading Anastasius to the Church where he removes his crown in the Metatorion and proceeds to offer gold in the altar.
Then Anastasius returns to the Metatorion wears the crown again returning to the Hippodrome where he promoted the new Praefectus Urbi Julian and from there to the Palace where a coronation banquet was served for the nobles and the Senate.


Next narration propably tomorrow...
 

Don_Giorgio

Election/proclamation of Justin I

In 9 July 518 Emperor Anastasius I died suddenly around midnight after suffering a fatal heart attack in his private chambers.
His death became known 1-2 hours later and there was a great fuss in the Palace since there was no Augusta present nor Anastasius had appointed an heir.
The chamberlains who discovered Anastasius's body immediately notified the Magister Officiorum Celer and the Comes Excubitorum Justin and both of them rushed to the Palace in no time.
Then after confirming Anastasius's death Celer announced the Emperor's death to the Scholae while Justin made the same announcement to the Excubitores. The announcement read was this:
"Our Emperor passed away. Now it is our duty to elect a new Emperor who will be pious and serve the Empire faithfully."
Around sunrise the news were spread to the City while the Imperial Guards and the factions were already gathered in the Hippodrome cheering for the Senate.
Factions: Many years to the Senate! Oh Roman Senate you Win! Grant us a Divine Emperor! Give us a Divine Emperor for the Empire!
In the meanwhile chamberlains set up chairs for the nobles and the Senators in the square outside the Augustaeum.
When the Senators were gathered along with the Patriarch a heated debate started about who will be elected Emperor. It should be noted that according to some historians the Senators fights and shouts were heard even in to the Hippodrome.
Magister Officiorum Celer then spoke to them and said "while we argue time passes by without any success. We have to name a candidate now!"
But to no avail. After Celer sat the fight continue even harsher than before.
In the meanwhile in the Hippodrome the Excubitores hailed Tribune John as Emperor and raised him on the shield as it is the custom for the new Emperor.
But the Blues didnt accepted this election (since traditionally Excubitores supported the Greens) and stoned John after clashing with the Excubitores, so John's candidacy was withdrawn.
After things calmed in the Hippodrome the Scholae attempted to impose their own candidate a certain Patricius from their ranks and raised him on the shield.
But Greens got enraged (since Scholae traditionally supported the Blues) and along with the Excubitores they attacked the Scholae and arrested Patricius wanting to kill him.
However situation was quickly diffused by a young Candidatus named Justinian who was Justin's nephew (future Emperor Justinian I) and further esacalation was avoided.
But now the Excubitores wanted to proclaim Justinian Emperor.
However Justianian declined the nomination.
It should be noted that everytime a candidate was hailed as Emperor by the Guards they sent a servant to the Palace to fetch them the Imperial Robes. But the Chamberlains refused to hand them over the Robes without the Senate's consent (Senate was still in session without having reached to an agreement).
But then the Scholae along with the Excubitores, the Blues and the Greens unexpectedly reached to an agreement and hailed Justin as Emperor (some say through bribes... Allegedly Celer had given Justin large amounts of gold to bribe the Guards in order to achive his protege's election but Justin used the gold to promote his own candidacy... That explains the sudden change of heart of the Scholae and the Blues).
But a brief clash happened between a small faction of the Scholae who disagreed with Justin's election and tried to push another candidate. However they were defeated by the combined forces of Scholae and Excubitores while Justin received a cut in the lips after being punched in the face by a Scholae Tribune.
Then Justin sent a servant to the Palace asking for the Imperial Robes.
The Chamberlains upon hearing Justin's name they handed over the Robes (again some support that the Chamberlains were bribed too).
In the meanwhile the Senate's session (which still hasnt reached an agreement) was interrupted by the news that the Imperial Guards had elected Justin as Emperor, so they abandoned Augustaeum and rushed to the Hippodrome.
There Justin was already set up in the Imperial Box while 2 lances were on his feet X-shaped and a large shield was over them.
Justin stepped on the shield and the Tribune Gaudila put on his necklace the Maniakion.
Then 2 Scholae Guards and 2 Excubitores Guards raised him high on the shield and on the same time the lowered Labara and flags held by Guards were raised skyhigh.
After putting him down the Imperial Guards encircled him hidding him from public view in order for Justin to undress and wear the Imperial Robes.
When he was ready Patriarch John appeared and after a small blessing he handed over to him the shield and the lance.
After a small prayer he crowned him also.
Then everyone present in the Hippodrome started cheering "Justin Augustus you Win!" and Justin replied to them:
Justin: Imperator Caesar Augustus Iustinus Victor semper Augustus! By God's Judgement and your free vote you have given me the Crown! May Divine Providence help us!
All: Divine Providence preserve the Empire! May you reign as you have lived so far! Enlarge the Empire! Divine King save the Empire! Justin Augustus you Win! Oh you the New Constantine may you reign many years! We are loyal servants of the Emperor!
Justin: Imperator Caesar Augustus! By your intercession God will help me in this task for your benefit!
All: Oh Son of God have mercy on him! You have chosen him! Have mercy on him! Justin Augustus you Win!
Justin: Imperator Caesar Augustus! With the help of Divine Providence i will preserve and take care each one of you personally!
All: Worthy of the Crown! Worthy of the Holy Trinity! Worthy of the City! Many years to you! May you reign piously!
Justin: Because of this holiday which marks the beggining of my reign i will give to anyone present here 5 gold coins and a litre of silver!
All: May God preserve our most Christian Emperor!
Justin: God is with us!!!

After the last sentence a procession is formed leading Justin to the Church where he removes his crown in the Metatorion and proceeds to offer gold in the altar.
Then Justin returns to the Metatorion wears the crown again heading for the Palace where a coronation banquet was served for the nobles and the Senate.
It should be noted that Magister Officiorum Celer and the Quaestor were absent from the Hippodrome since they opposed Justin (after all Justin allegedly used Celer's gold to push his own candidacy).
 
Last edited:

basileus

Don_Giorgio said:
Election/proclamation of Justin I

In 9 July 518 Emperor Anastasius I died suddenly around midnight after suffering a fatal heart attack in his private chambers.
His death became known 1-2 hours later and there was a great fuss in the Palace since there was no Augusta present nor Anastasius had appointed an heir.
The chamberlains who discovered Anastasius's body immediately notified the Magister Officiorum Celer and the Comes Excubitorum Justin and both of them rushed to the Palace in no time.
Then after confirming Anastasius's death Celer announced the Emperor's death to the Scholae while Justin made the same announcement to the Excubitores. The announcement read was this:
"Our Emperor passed away. Now it is our duty to elect a new Emperor who will be pious and serve the Empire faithfully."
Around sunrise the news were spread to the City while the Imperial Guards and the factions were already gathered in the Hippodrome cheering for the Senate.
Factions: Many years to the Senate! Oh Roman Senate you Win! Grant us a Divine Emperor! Give us a Divine Emperor for the Empire!
In the meanwhile chamberlains set up chairs for the nobles and the Senators in the square outside the Augustaeum.
When the Senators were gathered along with the Patriarch a heated debate started about who will be elected Emperor. It should be noted that according to some historians the Senators fights and shouts were heard even in to the Hippodrome.
Magister Officiorum Celer then spoke to them and said "while we argue time passes by without any success. We have to name a candidate now!"
But to no avail. After Celer sat the fight continue even harsher than before.
In the meanwhile in the Hippodrome the Excubitores hailed Tribune John as Emperor and raised him on the shield as it is the custom for the new Emperor.
But the Blues didnt accepted this election (since traditionally Excubitores supported the Greens) and stoned John after clashing with the Excubitores, so John's candidacy was withdrawn.
After things calmed in the Hippodrome the Scholae attempted to impose their own candidate a certain Patricius from their ranks and raised him on the shield.
But Greens got enraged (since Scholae traditionally supported the Blues) and along with the Excubitores they attacked the Scholae and arrested Patricius wanting to kill him.
However situation was quickly diffused by a young Candidatus named Justinian who was Justin's nephew (future Emperor Justinian I) and further esacalation was avoided.
But now the Excubitores wanted to proclaim Justinian Emperor.
However Justianian declined the nomination.
It should be noted that everytime a candidate was hailed as Emperor by the Guards they sent a servant to the Palace to fetch them the Imperial Robes. But the Chamberlains refused to hand them over the Robes without the Senate's consent (Senate was still in session without having reached to an agreement).
But then the Scholae along with the Excubitores, the Blues and the Greens unexpectedly reached to an agreement and hailed Justin as Emperor (some say through bribes... Allegedly Celer had given Justin large amounts of gold to bribe the Guards in order to achive his protege's election but Justin used the gold to promote his own candidacy... That explains the sudden change of heart of the Scholae and the Blues).
But a brief clash happened between a small faction of the Scholae who disagreed with Justin's election and tried to push another candidate. However they were defeated by the combined forces of Scholae and Excubitores while Justin received a cut in the lips after being punched in the face by a Scholae Tribune.
Then Justin sent a servant to the Palace asking for the Imperial Robes.
The Chamberlains upon hearing Justin's name they handed over the Robes (again some support that the Chamberlains were bribed too).
In the meanwhile the Senate's session (which still hasnt reached an agreement) was interrupted by the news that the Imperial Guards had elected Justin as Emperor, so they abandoned Augustaeum and rushed to the Hippodrome.
There Justin was already set up in the Imperial Box while 2 lances were on his feet X-shaped and a large shield was over them.
Justin stepped on the shield and the Tribune Gaudila put on his necklace the Maniakion.
Then 2 Scholae Guards and 2 Excubitores Guards raised him high on the shield and on the same time the lowered Labara and flags held by Guards were raised skyhigh.
After putting him down the Imperial Guards encircled him hidding him from public view in order for Justin to undress and wear the Imperial Robes.
When he was ready Patriarch John appeared and after a small blessing he handed over to him the shield and the lance.
After a small prayer he crowned him also.
Then everyone present in the Hippodrome started cheering "Justin Augustus you Win!" and Justin replied to them:
Justin: Imperator Caesar Augustus Iustinus Victor semper Augustus! By God's Judgement and your free vote you have given me the Crown! May Divine Providence help us!
All: Divine Providence preserve the Empire! May you reign as you have lived so far! Enlarge the Empire! Divine King save the Empire! Justin Augustus you Win! Oh you the New Constantine may you reign many years! We are loyal servants of the Emperor!
Justin: Imperator Caesar Augustus! By your intercession God will help me in this task for your benefit!
All: Oh Son of God have mercy on him! You have chosen him! Have mercy on him! Justin Augustus you Win!
Justin: Imperator Caesar Augustus! With the help of Divine Providence i will preserve and take each one of you personally!
All: Worthy of the Crown! Worthy of the Holy Trinity! Worthy of the City! Many years to you! May you reign piously!
Justin: Because of this holiday which marks the beggining of my reign i will give to anyone present here 5 gold coins and a litre of silver!
All: May God preserve our most Christian Emperor!
Justin: God is with us!!!

After the last sentence a procession is formed leading Justin to the Church where he removes his crown in the Metatorion and proceeds to offer gold in the altar.
Then Justin returns to the Metatorion wears the crown again heading for the Palace where a coronation banquet was served for the nobles and the Senate.
It should be noted that Magister Officiorum Celer and the Quaestor were absent from the Hippodrome since they opposed Justin (after all Justin allegedly used Celer's gold to push his own candidacy).
Click to expand...

Heck, just like a presidential election... crowds against each other, stones and sticks flying...
 

Don_Giorgio

basileus said:
Heck, just like a presidential election... crowds against each other, stones and sticks flying...
Click to expand...

Haha... but back then when they disagreed about the election and the votes they didnt file a case in court about it, but solved the problem immediatelly with swords... :D:D:D
 

Don_Giorgio

Proclamation of Emperor Leo II

Leo the infant son of Zeno and Ariadne had become Caesar early by his grandfather Leo I.
By December 473 Emperor Leo I was dying of dysentery (or stomach cancer) and decided to raise his grandson the Caesar Leo in the position of co-Emperor (thus bypassing Zeno who believed that he would be the co-Emperor since Leo was only 7 years old by then).
In the Calends of December Leo I ordered the Senate, the nobles, the Guards and the factions to gather in the Hippodrome.
When Leo I appeared in the Imperial Box the factions started cheering for him in Greek while the Guards cheered for him in Latin.
Caesar Leo remained in the Triclinum along with Patriarch Akakius.
Emperor Leo I sat on his throne in the Box while the factions were shouting "Augustus!"
After that the factions "demanded' from the Emperor to crown Caesar Leo as co-Emperor and Leo I replied that their demand would be granted.
Then Leo I orders the Magister Officiorum Eusebius along with the Patricians to go to the Ticlinum and escort Caesar Leo in the Imperial Box.
When Caesar Leo arrived he was seated on Leo's I left while Patriarch Akakius sat on Leo's I right.
Then the Patriarch rises and recited a prayer. When he finished everyone present exclaimed "Amen".
Then the Praepositus handed over to Leo I the co-Emperor's Crown and Leo I crowned Caesar Leo as co-Emperor Leo II under cheers of the factions shouting "Joyous! Joyous! Joyous!"
After that Leo II stood before Leo I and waved to the crowds who cheered for him shouting "Augustus!"
Then the Praefectus Urbi along with the Senate entered the Imperial Box and presented the young co-Emperor with the Maniakion while Leo I adressed to the crowds saying that everyone present will receive 5 gold coins and a litre of silver as a gift for the co-Emperor's coronation.



Election/proclamation of Justinian I

In late March 527 Emperor Justin I fell seriously ill. Feeling that his death was near he opted to crown his nephew Justinian as co-Emperor.
He called an urgent meeting of the Senate in the Triclinum where he appeared on them in a stretch-bed. There he notified the Senators about his intentions to crown Justinian his nephew as co-Emperor and successor.
The Senate "ratified" his decision and the coronation was scheduled for 4 April 527 while Magister Officiorum Tatianus was empowered to notify Justinian and organise the ceremony.
However Justin's health took a turn for the worst and the ceremony was moved from the Hippodrome to Delfax near the Palace as Justin I wasnt able to move to the Hippodrome.
The factions and the Guards gathered in Delfax where the Patriarch recited a prayer and Justin confined in a portable throne crowned Justinian as co-Emperor. After that the ailing Justin I returned to the Palace while Justinian I after delivering a short speech promised the traditional 5 coins and a litre of silver to anyone present he returned to the Palace and to his ailing uncle.
 

Don_Giorgio

Election/proclamation of Nicephorus II

In 15 March 963 Emperor Romanus II died unexpectedly aged 26... Others say that he died of sexual exhaustion after a marathon orgy, others claim that he died from groin injury while some say it was a combination of these 2...
Anyway when he died he left 2 infant sons Basil and Constantine and his wife Empress Theophano who according to his will assumed the Regency along with the Parakoimenos Ioseph Brigas the eunuch.
Right after Romanus's II death Ioseph Brigas started conspiring against the Empress Dowager intending either to keep power for himself or crown one of his relatives as a puppet ruler and become the power behind the throne.
Theophano was frustrated by this and fearing for her children atarted corresponding (through her maids since official imperial mail was checked by Brigas) with various Generals in the East, most notably with Nicephorus Phocas who was Domesticus Scholae of the East.
By late June Brigas was about to complete his coup and force Theophano to enter a convent when in 2 July the army who was staioned in Caesaria mutinied and proclaimed their commander Nicephorus Phocas as Emperor.
However Nicephorus initially declined the Purple by saying to them that he is not that ambitious but he will protect Theophano and the infant sons of the late Romanus II against any danger after he finished the war with the Arabs.
But the soldiers insisted that Nicephorus should become Emperor and practically dragged him from his tent and raised him on a shield proclaiming him Emperor Nicephorus II.
Nicephorus complied with this although he declined to wear a crown or any other Imperial vestement except the Purple Imperial boots.
When news of this rebellion reached Constantinople Regent Ioseph Brigas was scared and started raising raising an army to deal with the situation.
Nicephorus II started marching from Caesaria towards Constantinople while on the same time he sent Brigas letters promising to shower him with high honours if he submited to his authority. A similar letter was sent to the Senate also.

However Brigas wouldnt submit to Nicephorus II and after sealing the City he compelled the Church to excommunicate Nicephorus and hatched a plan to kill any Phokas family members present in the city.
But Brigas's plan to assassinate Phokas family was betrayed and Magister Bardas Phokas (Nicephorus's father) seeked sanctuary to Hagia Sophia while Magister Leo Phokas (Nicephorus's brother) managed to escape the City and join Nicephorus's army which had just arrived in Chrysopolis.
The Phokas family was popular in Constantinople so when news spread that Regent Ioseph Brigas seeks Bardas Phokas to murder him a large crowd appeared in Hagia Sophia protecting Bardas from the Guards who went there to arrest him.
3 times the Imperial Guards attempted to disperse the crowds and arrest Bardas but they were pushed back by the mob.
First time Patrician Marianus Apambas with a detachment of Guards tried to eenter the Church but he was pushed back with casualties.
Second time the Tribune Nicholas Tornikes attacked attemting to break in the Church but he was pushed back and severely beaten by the mob
Third time General Paschalius attempted but he had no better luck.

On Sunday 9 August Regent Ioseph Brigas was really nervous... Nicephorus was advancing towards the City fast, Leo had managed to escape and Bardas Phokas was protected by the mob so he couldnt use him to bargain with Nicephorus... So he went personally to Hagia Sophia and threatened the mob that he will starve them to death unless they surrender to him Bardas Phokas.
After that he rode to the marketplace and forcibly shut down all shops and bakeries fullfilling his previous threat.
Ioseph Brigas then returned to the Palace where he took with him the infant sons of Romanus II while Empress Theophano was put under house arrest, Brigas along with the infants Basil and Constantine went to Hagia Sophia through a secret corridor and met personally with Bardas Phokas he allowed him to leave the Church and go to his home unharmed, hoping to appease the angry mob and avoid any riots with Nicephorus outside the city.
But his plan backfired since the mob unaware of Brigas's deal thought that he had abducted Bardas from the Church thus violating the sanctuary and started rioting. The Patriarchal Palace was stoned and part of it was set on fire since they believed that the Patriarch had betrayed Bardas.

The Patriarch in frustration sent an urgent message to Regent Brigas begging him to allow Bardas to come in Hagia Sophia so that the mob can see that he is alright and stop rioting.
But Brigas fearing that Bardas could become the leader of these riots he forbade it and sent Guards to Bardas's house to make sure that he wont leave the house.
Now the mob even more enraged armed with sticks and stones tried to move towards Bardas's house. Patrician Marianus ordered an attack to prevent them from reaching the house but the mob managed to overwhelm the Guards so Marianus ordered an immediate retreat.
By sunset the whole city was in turmoil... The Guards had retreated to the Palace while the mob was setting fire to every Patrician villa they encountered near the Palace.
Around midnight the mob laid siege to Brigas's Villa.
Brigas lost his nerve and fled the house in disguise and went to Hagia Sophia seeking sanctuary while the mob captured most of the Senators present in his house and after that they demolished the Villa.
The riots continued for 3 days while Bardas's Phokas was installed to the Palace as a Regent (he was Basil and Constantine's godfather also) untill Nicephorus II returns to the City. The infant princes were safe along with their mother, Brigas sent them back to be under house arrest with Theophano shortly before his Villa was attacked.
In 12 August Magister Leo Phokas entered the City along with a detachment of the army and helped restoring public orfer.
In 15 August Nicephorus II had reached Hieria and from the Palace there he notified the new Parakoimomenos Basil and Praepositus John to come over and meet him.
On the next day 16 August he boarded the Royal ship from Hieria and disemarked near Porta Aurea in Theodosian Walls.
There he rode a white horse and entered the City through the Porta Aurea under cheers of the people.
In about 9am he reached the Monastery of Avramites and there after venerating the relics he wore the Imperial Skaramangion and rode his horse again.
Near the old Constantinian Walls he was met by the factions who cheered for him like this:
Factions: Welcome Nicephorus Emperor of the Romans!
Factions: Welcome Nicephorus Great Emperor of the Romans!
Factions: Welcome Nicephorus who defeated the armies of the enemies!
Factions: Welcome Nicephorus who conquered the cities of the enemies!
Factions: Welcome most valiant victorious forever Augustus!
Factions: Welcome you subjugator of Nations!
Factions: Welcome you who defeated the Arabs!
Factions: Welcome you who hold the Roman sceptre! God had mercy on us by electing you as Roman Emperor Nicephorus! Rejoice oh Roman City accept the God-crowned Nicephorus!

The Emperor then proceeded on horse till the Forum and there after venerating the relics in the Church of Virgin Mary en to Pharo he wore the Divetision and the Purple boots.
From the Church of Virgin Mary he proceeded on foot in a crucesion to Hagia Sophia.
In the Horologion of Hagia Sophia he was cheered by the factions again.
Factions: Oh Nicephorus the factions accepted you as Emperor.
Factions: Oh Nicephorus the Palace accepts you as Emperor
Factions: Oh Nicephorus the Army accepts you as Emperor
Factions: Oh Nicephorus the Senate accepts you as Emperor
Factions: Hear us o Lord and let Nicephorus reign!
Factions: Nicephorus Augustus you are most pious! God gave you to us and God will preserve you! Respect Christ and you will be forever victorious!
Factions: May God preserve our most Christian Empire!

Then Nicephorus enters the Metatorion where he wears the Tzitzakion and after venerating the Icons and relics the Patriarch proceeds with the Coronation ritual (see Chapter IV).
 

Don_Giorgio

Lets hope this works...

funeral.jpg
 

basileus

Indeed I immediately got the time fof the characters, from their dress and robes (*mumble mumble*... "I'd say late 11th century"), even before reading it was a tv show about poor Romanos IV.
 

Don_Giorgio

basileus said:
Indeed I immediately got the time fof the characters, from their dress and robes (*mumble mumble*... "I'd say late 11th century"), even before reading it was a tv show about poor Romanos IV.
Click to expand...

Well it was a decent production almost historical accurate with good costumes... The only bad thing is that State TV destroyed most of this show's copies in late 80s (they used the same films to record the news over it... thats a shame).

I remember seeing it in a re-run in 1987...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top
Top