
11. Byzantium - Last of the Romans
Fall of Civilizations Podcast
00:00
Chariot Racing in Byzantium
Quakes and floods ravaged constantinople over a period of four months. A section of the great theodosian walls were brought down by tremors. One man was put in charge of repairing them, but he knew his city had one great untapped resource: its immense spirit of competition. He went to the hippodrome, or race track, where chariot racing held people's fanatic devotion like football does today. The declaration of a competition was clear and irresistible. These sports teams would each be given a section to complete, and they had to gather as many of their supporters to help as they could.
Transcript
Play full episode
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.