The Influence of Chivalry on Society
To understand the effects of chivalry, we must ask whether the violent spectacles and tournaments it promoted truly helped to civilize society. When death,...
The Real Danger of Tournaments
In the tournaments of chivalry, the danger of combat was a central part of the spectacle. Knights risked life and limb in public displays...
The “Pas d’Armes” and Its Dangers
Another popular practice in chivalry was the pas d’armes, or “passage of arms.” In these events, a group of knights would set up their...
The Simplicity and Beauty of St. Sophia’s Interior
Inside St. Sophia, there are no tombs, statues, or altars to obstruct the view in any direction. The space is open, allowing visitors to...
The Dome of St. Sophia A Monumental Achievement
It is often claimed that the dome of St. Sophia was the first of its kind ever built, but this is not entirely true....
The Cost and Effort Behind St. Sophia
The true cost of building St. Sophia is unknown. However, we do know that the construction placed a heavy burden on everyone in the...
