How might the average work-day been like for an entry-level Byzantine bureaucrat stationed at Constantinople during its height in the 11th century?
The height of Byzantium was in the 6th century
Or if you want to get technical with it, the 2nd century
A Social History of Byzantium - J. Haldon
>>1577470
The 11th century is when Constantinople as a city was at its height. My bad, I should have specified that I was referring to the city itself, and not the Empire as a whole.
>>1577470
>height of Byzantium
>2nd century
wake up before sunrise to maximize daylight, drink some light ale, make yourself urinate and defecate becausee there are no toilets at your place of work, obtain some bread from the local bakery which also starts work before daylight which you dip in olive oil, as the dawn breaks you leave
your employer is likely a relative or someone you have known for a long time, if you are young he might cane you for being late or some other misdemeanor, you will stay performing your clerical and recordkeeping duties until it is too dark to see clearly, if the work is important you might get a candle so you can continue, if you get through the work you might be assigned a writing task, few were literate and you could make an income copying texts
after work you will bathe and eat a large meal, you could go to the baths or the theater, possibly drink and gamble
>>1577528
Actually, it'd go as follows:
Wake up before sunrise at your house located in one of Constantinople's suburbs, use some water to wash your face before taking a shit, drink some light wine accompanied by some bread, fresh cheese, olives, and oil obtained from the grocer.
Afterwards, leave for work as the sun begins to rise, passing the many boulevards lined with trees and statues from Antiquity, arriving at some large imposing building near the Imperial Palace.
Perform clerical and record-keeping duties, including transcribing the orders of superiors, copying records, delivering scrolls to various functionaries and courtiers, filing paperwork away, and drafting up correspondence.
After work, go bathe at the public baths: afterwards, now all bathed up, you go home and purchase some few vegetables and bread from the grocer and make a hearty stew using some spices you have at home.
>>1577470
>2nd century
But Eastern Roman Empire wasn't even created until 285 AD and it wasn't a political unit until 476 AD.