Stylianos_V
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Stylianos_V2yrPostedI've read until chapter 120. So far the story is very intriguing and the characters are quite well developed. I do have some complains though. Constantine was very underwhelming. In history, he seemed a lot more proactive and strong willed. Here, he seems like a pessimist and weak willed person. He should be more active, trying to use his power and not let others control him. And to add insult to injury, he had to have a falling out with Antonius! He should be a hero even if he isn't the protagonist, not a lowly pawn. I really hope that you redeem him and not have Antonius have to overthrow him. As a sidenote, I hope that Antonius adopts Orthodoxy and that it doesn't submit to the Pope, or at least not for good or they try to unite the churches to the pre-schism status. Please, if you are willing to address my hopes and spoiling the story a little, I will greatly appreciate it!
- Stylianos_V2yrCommented
although, that was the custom through out Europe at the time.
If the city converts to the follower of the Great Prophet, that is even better. They no longer need to pay the Jizya, which is a form of financial charge on permanent non-Muslim subjects, and they can join the services of the Caliph's forces, earn a hefty bounty and title in the subsequent conquests. However, if the city decides not to turn herself in, things might look very bad for them, most likely a potential bloodletting ahead… - Stylianos_V2yrReplied to DarkDesire
I think it's a reference to the Spartan saying,"come back with your shield, or on top of it" meaning, come back victorious or died.
It says that she will not disturb him from this day onwards, as a her presence will only distract his mind and make him reluctant when making orders. She will wait and help out in the back, and she will pray that Giovanni will come back holding a trophy and a shield of triumph, not laying and carried to the back by other men lying on a shield. - Stylianos_V3yrCommented
the Roman legionnaires had the exact opposite tactic. March slowly, steadily, silently to the enemy, like an unstoppable bringer of doom. A tactic the ironclad Byzantine cataphracts often fielded.
Battle cries, glitters of blades and sound of swords thumping against shields once again filled the vast open lands among the Ottoman camp and Rumelihisarı. It is an usual tactic that the Ottomans have adopted from their old foes Timurids, to yell and shout before engaging to strike mental fear into their enemies, making them shoot their arrows and bolts even before it is in range, thus decreasing enemy projectile supply landing on their heads later. - Stylianos_V3yrCommented
for anyone wondering, the imperial purple, porphyro, was made from sea snails and was unbelievably expensive leading some emperors to ban it's sale for their sole use
The Palace of the Porphyrogenitus is another signature piece of architecture of the Romans, the reigning emperor two centuries ago developed the concept of this palace himself to show high prestige and utmost honour as the Emperor of the Romans, because the palace name literally translates into "The palace of those who are born in purple." Decorated elaborately in precious burnt red bricks and white marble, giving the entire lavish effect which awed all the crews once again. - Stylianos_V3yrReplied to RoamingMantis
the Queen of Cities was one of its titles
"And…. I allow them to sack Constantinople for three days after we conqueror her." - Stylianos_V3yrReplied to Wxlliam
until I know more, the righteous Christians are he and his men
"Now, you, you Ottoman devil, you cowardice, do you think you shall make it through today. I, Antonius, witnessed by Christ himself. Shall take all the treasures that you and your Ottoman bandits have robbed others and return it to the hands of the righteous Christians."