On 541 AD a plague broke out in the Byzantine empire. According to the Byzantine historian Procopius, the best primary source of the period, the epidemic appears to have begun around the port of Pelusion, near Suez in Egypt. ”Then it divided…
Ancient Greek Words for Love: Eros, Himeros, Pothos, Philia.
Philia (deep friendship) : Its objects range from people to drink, food e.g. dried figs (Aristophanes, Peace, 634) and concepts such as peace. It is the most general word for love and friendship. Pothos is ‘an intense nostalgic longing for someone…
Christmas dinner at the Great Palace
Among the numerous foreigners who recorded their impressions of the Byzantine court Liutprand of Cremona, ambassador of Berengar of Italy in 949–50, provides descriptions of court ceremonies and a glowing account of the Christmas dinner he enjoyed at the Great Palace. Christmas…
Pagophagia, geophagia or eating unusual foods
Pagophagia* is a disorder that encompasses daily craving and eating of ice, snow or iced water. The Byzantine Emperor Theophilus (829-842 AD) died from dysentery, the possible cause of which may be connected to Theophilus’ pagophagia, in order to relieve the symptoms…
Sweet foods for the souls
Tomorrow is the 1st Saturday of the Souls. Offering the dead sweet foods is a way to honor them, celebrate their memories and break down the barriers between them and the living. If forgotten the dead become shadowy images and never visit…