In Constantinople, as in Rome, the public was passionately keen on contests and entertainment, which was held in the Hippodrome or racecourse. Tens of thousands of people would enter into the stadium, from the emperor to the lowliest of occupations. Thus Rome's pagan traditions were celebrated at the heart of Christian Byzantium.
The Hippodrome was built during the reign of Septimus Severus at the end of the 2nd century AD and was rebuilt by Constantine as a smaller copy of the Circus Maximus in Rome. It covered an area of 500 m long and 118 m wide. It was later embellished by Theodosius.
The main events were chariot races, which lasted all day. The vehicles were 4 horse chariots. The opposing teams wore the colours of political groups, green, red, blue, white. Supporters wore coloured scarves to show their allegiance.
The opening ceremony followed an ancient ritual. The emperor began by blessing the people 3 times and was greeted with thunderous cheering and applause from the spectators. The choirs then sang hymns of victory denoting the 4 groups. Finally, the emperor threw a serviette onto the arena. The doors of the chariot sheds were opened and the contestants entered the arena.
The Hippodrome, however, was much more than just a place of entertainment. Antagonism of rival supporters of the green and blue factions caused constant trouble. This resulted in the Hippodrome as a place of violence and civil unrest.
Games were still staged regularly in the city until it fell to Frank Crusaders in 1204 AD. The Hippodrome was pillaged and then abandoned. Only one of the treasures survived : a magnificent bronze chariot, which now towers over the portal of St Mark's cathedral in Venice.
It's interesting how clearly we can see the evidence of such ancient rituals have set the stage for modern Games. We can take note of many of the rituals seen or compared in our Olympic games today. We have stadiums, cheering boisterous spectators, opening rituals, eg. carrying the flag, singing the national anthems of contenders, wearing the clothing of the team you are part of, spectators with their supporting flags. We could even compare the junk left behind by spectators to 'pillaging'.
Sources : Wikipedia History through the Ages, National Geographic, Own content, Pixabay, Google Images.