Читать книгу Byzantine Constantinople, the walls of the city and adjoining historical sites онлайн

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Sometimes the emperor, as in the case of Heraclius,^[262] rode in a chariot instead of on horseback; or the occupant of the triumphal car might be, as on the occasion of the triumph of Zimisces, the Icon of the Virgin.^[263] Michael Palæologus entered the city on foot, walking as far as the Church of St. John Studius before he mounted his horse.^[264] On the occasion of the second triumph of Theophilus, the beautiful custom was introduced of making children take part in the ceremonial with wreaths of flowers.^[265]

But besides serving as a State entrance into the city, the Porta Aurea was one of the strongest positions in the fortifications.^[266] The four towers at its gateways, the deep moat in front, and the transverse walls across the peribolos on either hand, guarding approach from that direction, constituted a veritable citadel. Cantacuzene repaired it, and speaks of it as an almost impregnable acropolis, capable of being provisioned for three years, and strong enough to defy the whole city in time of civil strife.^[267] Hence the great difficulty he found in persuading the Latin garrison which held it on his behalf, in 1354, to surrender the place to his rival John VI. Palæologus.