discovered that some of their Byzantine techniques are not for me. It would be interesting to know if they worked, though
What would medical history be without bloodletting? It was, of course, a common practice and much used medical procedure. Byzantium had a special machine (wouldn’t you know?) for this grisly and gruesome practice. It was a device that measured the amount of blood that was “let” or drained from a person. There were two mechanical figures on the top of this instrument to record the level of blood as it flowed to the bottom. The Arabs invented and perfected this device.They were looked upon as great medical authorities. Throughout Europe their methods were studied and practiced.
Another form of treatment was prayer. The Christian Empire believed sickness had other causes that only religious remedies could cure. Patients were often prescribed to pray to certain Saints. Saint Nicaise was prayed to for smallpox. Saint Blaise for upper respiratory infections. They still bless the throat today. The last and probably the worst disease, THE PLAGUE, was reserved for Saint Roch. However, Saint Panteleemon (all merciful) was the most famous healer. He’s so celebrated that he needs his own article. That is in the workings for next months issue.
The history of the Great Pantokrator Monastery proceeds as this:
In 1205 during the Fourth Crusades, the city of Constantinople fell. The Crusaders set fires and leveled large portions of the city. Art treasures and books didn’t stand a chance. Some of the greatest works of Western civilization went up in flames. The soldiers from all across Europe didn’t spare the Christian Churches. They were stripped bare of valuables and priceless treasures. The Pantokrator was not to go unscathed. The tombs of the Emperors and Empresses were smashed and looted. Monks and nuns suffered as well with rape or murder.
The Venetians occupied the Pantokrator and claimed it as part of their booty. However, the Venetians couldn’t hold it. When they saw they would fall, they stole the enameled panels from the iconostasis of the Pantokrator. Then, they shipped them off to Venice. There they became the centerpiece for the famous Pala d’Oro.
The Byzantines recovered Constantinople again. The Pantokrator was restored and became a spiritual and cultural center.
05