1444, Byzantium Resurrects

Chapter 258 The Eagle Flag Never Falls

Today's Constantinople is a little different. Business is still busy, the flow of people is still large, and the workshops in the city are still bustling with work, but the pedestrians coming and going are in a hurry, lowering their heads from time to time to whisper to each other, with serious expressions.

Veneto walked alone in the streets of Constantinople, looking around in confusion.

The sound of shops closing could be heard in the distance. The grocery store owner locked the doors and windows and prepared to go home, while the tavern owner dragged out a drunkard and threw him on the side of the road.

Several brothels on the street had their doors and windows tightly closed, as if they had been closed for several days.

Veneto took a few quick steps, approached a tavern owner, and bowed slightly to him.

"what's up?"

The innkeeper looked at Veneto, recognized his Latin identity from his appearance and attire, and asked unhappily.

"Hello, I'm Italian. I just arrived in Constantinople by boat. I've heard that this is the most prosperous city in Europe, but today...what happened?"

Veneto's Greek was very standard and his etiquette was meticulous; the owner's expression immediately eased a lot.

"Closed. Go to Hagia Sophia to pray."

"Pray? Now is not the time to pray, right? Pray for what?"

Veneto's doubts were not relieved, so he continued to ask.

"You are not Roman, why are you asking this?"

The owner obviously didn't want to say more and walked away.

Veneto was stunned, shook his head, took out a piece of paper, decided not to investigate further, and went straight to his destination.

"Constantinople, Central Avenue, District 12, University of Constantinople..."

Veneto walked around and finally arrived at the University of Constantinople, located next to the avenue, before the sun set.

This university was founded by the Eastern Roman Emperor Theodosius II more than a thousand years ago to counter the pagan academy of Athens in the south. It has been the highest institution of learning in Constantinople from beginning to end, and for a long time it has been the ideological center of the whole of Europe. Literature and art started here, and Eastern and Western culture and technology collided here.

The University of Constantinople is an institution of higher learning. Only children from wealthy families can afford to study here. Hundreds of years ago, the curriculum mainly included three major subjects: law, philosophy, and rhetoric, as well as practical techniques such as arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy. It inherited the teaching methods of ancient Greece, with discussions as the main method and lectures as the supplement, with teachers and students sitting and discussing.

Of course, the people of Constantinople have always loved debate, theology, literature, natural philosophy... they can debate everything and argue about everything.

During the heyday of the Eastern Roman Empire, the University of Constantinople was undoubtedly glorious and prosperous. Its ethnic and religious policies were relatively enlightened. Russian barbarians, Arab pagans, Latin scholars and even Hebrews could come to the University of Constantinople to exchange and study. As a result, it became an extremely important place for the intersection of ideas and played a great role in the empire's literary and artistic undertakings and scientific and technological progress.

However, with the decline of the empire, the University of Constantinople inevitably declined as well. Under the protection of scholars and the constraints of priests, the Venetians during the Fourth Crusade failed to steal too many precious books. But the loss of territory and economic decline brought about a chain reaction, and the University of Constantinople was no longer what it used to be.

When facing foreign enemies and even survival becomes a luxury, no matter how prosperous the literature or how excellent the art, it will ultimately be no match for the spears and short spears in our hands.

However, even until the middle of the 15th century, there were still many scholars in Constantinople, and several higher education institutions in Constantinople still preserved a relatively intact teaching system. A large number of books still lay quietly in the libraries of universities and monasteries, waiting to be appreciated by future generations.

For a nation, books are priceless treasures. As long as they are still there and as long as there are people reading them, the inheritance will not be cut off.

On the eve of the Battle of Constantinople fourteen years ago, people in the city were in panic. Many scholars began to move books to safer places and worked day and night to copy them.

Many people even prepared to hand over these books to Italian merchants to prevent them from falling into the hands of the Turks.

Although Eastern Roman scholars did not like the Latins, they knew that although the East and the West were at odds with each other, they ultimately belonged to the same cultural heritage. They cherished the historical books passed down from ancient Greece and Rome very much and would make better use of them.

If these things were obtained by the Turks from the East, there would be no chance of survival.

However, their worries were unnecessary. The fire in Galata and the naval battle in the Golden Horn ended the ambitions of Mehmed II. The Eastern Roman Empire, led by the emperor, fought back and saved the ancient, impenetrable city.

Afterwards, the Eastern Roman Empire triumphantly recovered the Balkans, the economy developed rapidly, and cultural and educational undertakings began to recover.

It is precisely because Constantinople’s academic system was well preserved that the framework of higher education was quickly reconstructed, and the University of Constantinople, which was reborn like a phoenix, is full of vitality.

However, the intellectuals of the Eastern Roman Empire have always had a strong reverence for the ancients, believing that the wisdom of the ancients encompasses all knowledge of human truth, and that as long as one can thoroughly study their knowledge, one will be able to gain all wisdom.

Looking at the quaint and elegant University of Constantinople, Veneto was filled with thoughts and walked quickly towards the gate.

"Stop! Who is it?"

A rough voice made Veneto stop. The captain of the guard guarding the gate came over with a fierce look, accompanied by two soldiers.

"I am Giuseppe Vittorio Veneto, an Italian scholar. I am invited by the Minister of Education and President of the University of Constantinople, Balsamon, to come here to study and research. This is my invitation letter."

"There is also a letter of introduction from Basilius, the minister left behind in Carthage, for an audience with His Majesty. You can also take a look at it."

Veneto handed the invitation and introduction letter to the captain. The captain could not read very well, but he saw the emblems on them clearly, nodded, and returned the two letters to Veneto.

"Let's go."

Veneto smiled, whispered a thank you, and walked quickly into the campus.

The University of Constantinople was built in a palace, with squares and lawns outside the palace.

Many students gathered in the square. Several students stood on a temporary platform and gave passionate speeches. The students gathered in several small circles around the speakers.

"Everyone, the Coptic Church in Egypt is a true heresy. They have long since departed from the true faith and have gone astray..."

Veneto had no interest in this topic and moved on to the next circle.

The young man on the stage was reading a poem he had just written. Veneto listened for a while and then walked to the third circle.

"Come and take a look! This is the latest agricultural method I've developed. It mixes several types of manure together. Hey, don't go!"

The young man was so excited that he took out a bag full of mixed feces from the back, which immediately drove away most of the audience.

"Your Majesty is going to set up a Royal Academy of Sciences. I am definitely a strong candidate. It will be your loss if you don't listen! Don't leave..."

Veneto covered his nose and came to the last speaking circle.

"There are countless signs that the earth we live on is spherical. Aristotle and Pythagoras in ancient times have argued this issue. The church has been misleading us all along—"

A young man said in a resounding voice.

"Nonsense! How can this world be spherical if it was created by God? According to what you said, can our expedition fleet set out from the Mediterranean to the west and reach India?"

A voice retorted.

"That's right! The world is not divided, but connected. If you keep heading west, you will eventually reach the east."

"Just wait and see. When Mr. Columbus's exploration fleet returns, you will understand!"

Veneto nodded with satisfaction. He finally heard something valuable.

The young people seemed to firmly believe in the theory that the earth was spherical, but they could not produce any concrete evidence and could only reject the theories of Aristotle and Pythagoras.

Can you be as smart as our ancestors?
His opponent obviously believed in the church's flat earth theory. Although there was no evidence, his debating skills were quite good. He started to accuse the young man right from the start, making him very embarrassed.

Veneto listened with great interest until they began to turn from debate to personal attacks, then he left.

It seems that the Eastern Empire is not as pedantic and conservative as rumored, and there are still many new ideas.

At least, the Eastern Romans did not, as the legend goes, answer the Trinity when asked about wine, and answer that the Father is greater than the Son when asked about inns.

Thinking of this, Veneto's mood became more excited.

Crossing the square, Veneto came to a house in the corner of the campus. This was the residence of Balsamon, the Minister of Education and President of the University of Constantinople.

Veneto knew that funds were scarce in the early days of Isaac's revival, but the gentle elder had always been committed to the development of education, using poor methods in poor times.

Now that he was rich, he stepped up his efforts to revive education. Not only did he rebuild the Academy of Athens, he also set up scholarships at the University of Constantinople and lowered the admission threshold so that more children of middle-class citizens and even farmers could enjoy quality education.

The butler had been waiting here early, and when he saw Veneto, he welcomed him into the restaurant.

There were already quite a few people gathered in the restaurant, and Veneto knew some of them, all scholars like him.

"Veneto, come and sit down."

Balsamon pointed to a seat nearby with a smile, and told the maid to bring wine and food.

After a simple pre-meal prayer, everyone began to eat. The colorful meal soothed their hungry stomachs, and the mellow wine made everyone put aside the grudges of their first meeting and open up the conversation.

"Lord Balsamon, is it true that His Majesty is planning to establish a Royal Academy of Sciences and invite scholars from all over the world to come to Constantinople to conduct research?"

A middle-aged man asked under the influence of alcohol.

"Yes, I have been traveling in Italy for so long, and my purpose is to recruit talents like you."

Balsamon put down his knife and fork and picked up a glass of sweet wine.

"The Royal Academy of Sciences is not influenced by the church. You can conduct research freely without worrying about worldly taboos."

"Is this... is this really possible? There is no monarch like this in Western Europe."

A fat man blushed.

Veneto knew him, a doctor who was dedicated to dissecting corpses. He was on the church's wanted list because he was caught opening a grave in the middle of the night to steal a corpse.

"Yes, the churches of the Eastern Empire must obey your Majesty's orders. As long as your Majesty protects you, they can only complain."

Balsamon nodded with a smile.

"The Royal Academy of Sciences is divided into five branches by His Majesty, namely the Academy of Natural Philosophy, the Academy of Medicine, the Academy of Chemistry, the Academy of Astronomy, and the Academy of Engineering."

"Your Majesty knows that you don't like the bureaucracy. The Royal Academy of Sciences is relatively free and has few restrictions. All academicians receive a subsidy and can serve as professors at various universities. Academicians of the Academy of Engineering and the Academy of Medicine can also take on commissions. Your Majesty will not stop this."

"If you have any research intentions, you can apply for funding from the emperor, or you can take your inventions to major merchants and ask for their support."

"Once you join the Royal Academy, you will automatically become Roman citizens and can freely read the royal collections and books in major libraries, including books banned by the church."

Balsamon looked at the crowd.

"Moreover, if a member of the Royal Academy of Sciences makes an outstanding contribution, he or she can also receive the honorary title of Senator of the Senate."

When the scholars present heard this, their eyes lit up and they began to whisper to each other.

"Lord Balsamon, if a scholar possesses multiple talents at the same time, how would His Majesty arrange it?"

A scholar asked.

"As long as the qualifications are met, a person can join multiple branches at the same time, such as you, Veneto,"

Veneto quickly swallowed the wine in his mouth and looked at Balsamon.

"You were originally an architect and had taken on a lot of projects in Florence before, but you also have some accomplishments in astronomy. You can be a member of both the Academy of Engineering and the Academy of Astronomy."

Balsamon said with a smile.

"That's right, sir, but I don't take on many projects now. I concentrate on astronomical research."

Veneto nodded.

"Any progress?"

"There are some, but I think that what is restricting the development of astronomy is actually the backwardness of observation tools. I am trying to make some improvements to the existing magnifying glasses and strive to increase the magnification."

Veneto laid bare his recent research.

"Well, this is a good direction. You can go and see His Majesty when the time comes. If the magnification can be increased, it will not only greatly accelerate the progress of astronomy, but can also be applied to the military and navigation fields."

Balsamon commented.

Veneto nodded, looked around, and then looked at Balsamon again.

"Master Balsamon, is Mr. Wojciech not here?"

"No, he still doesn't want to leave Krakow, but he promised to come to the University of Constantinople for exchange lectures in the future."

Balsamon shook his head regretfully.

"That's a pity. He often said in his letters that Constantinople has the largest collection of ancient Greek and Roman books in Europe, and he really wants to see the works of the ancients, especially the books of Aristarchus."

Veneto also felt a little sorry. "Aristarchus? Heliocentrism?"

Balsamon thought about it and was a little surprised.

"Yes, sir. Now the theory of the spherical earth has begun to be accepted by more and more people, and it is relatively easy to prove. All we need to do is complete a circumnavigation of the world."

Veneto said.

"But for other issues, such as which of the geocentric and heliocentric theories is true, more advanced observation equipment is needed."

"Well, don't announce the results of the study before you come to a conclusion. This is an act of treason in the eyes of the church. His Majesty is willing to protect you, but you must not be too arrogant."

Balsamon nodded.

All of them were the most advanced scholars in Europe. They had finally gathered together. Without the constraints of the church, their future was guaranteed. Everyone was very happy. While cursing the Vatican's resistance to scientific research, they exchanged their research results and chatted enthusiastically.

The sun set, the crescent moon rose high in the sky, and the scholars said goodbye and returned to their homes.

"Veneto, what's going on?"

After seeing off the guests, Balsamon was stunned to find Veneto still there.

"Well, Lord Balsamon, I have something to tell you."

Veneto pondered.

"Go ahead."

Balsamon said gently.

"As you know, I am from Florence. I went to the University of Bologna to study architecture and astronomy in my early years. Ten years ago, I started working as an architect for the Medici family, helping them rebuild their family mausoleum."

"The Medici family is very wealthy, and their building is very large. It is impossible for me to design such a large building alone. Therefore, during the construction process, I visited Master Verrocchio many times. I believe you have heard of his name."

Balsamon smiled.

"Master Verrocchio is the most famous artist in Italy today. His sculptures and paintings are very famous. Of course I have heard of him."

Veneto nodded and continued.

"Once, when I was designing a relief, I was in a dilemma and had to ask for help from Master Verrocchio. He brought me a draft the next day, which immediately enlightened me."

"When I praised his craftsmanship, he shook his head and said that the draft was not his work but that of his students."

"I was extremely surprised and found his students, talked to him, and read some of his essays."

"I found that this person has a quick mind and great talent. His talent is not limited to painting and sculpture. He has some original thoughts in mathematics, architecture and natural philosophy. His thoughts are even broader than mine."

"Before I came, I invited him to go to Constantinople with me to study, but he refused, wanting to complete his studies with Master Verrocchio."

Veneto spread his hands helplessly.

"But he also said that when he finishes his studies, he will try to find a job in the East."

"That's a shame, but thank you."

Balsamon chuckled.

"By the way, what's the child's name? I can keep an eye on him later."

"His family background was not good. He was one of a dozen children and an illegitimate child. His family was only slightly wealthy. He grew up in the countryside, but he lived a happy life."

Veneto thought about it.

"Since he was an illegitimate child and technically had no surname of his own, people generally called him Leonardo of Vinci."

"Leonardo da Vinci, that's his name."

"It's a nice name. I'll keep an eye out for it in the future."

Balsamon nodded.

"Master Verrocchio had very high standards and his disciples were all mediocre. To be recognized by him shows that Leonardo da Vinci was indeed talented."

"Thank you very much, sir. It's getting late. I'll leave now."

Veneto bowed slightly and said goodbye.

Balsamon sent Veneto to the door. There was silence all around, and the city seemed to be abnormally dim. Only the autumn insects by the grass screamed from time to time, and fireflies flew around, emitting faint fluorescence.

"My Lord, what's going on in Constantinople lately?"

Veneto couldn't help but ask.

"I heard that Emperor Isaac made industrial and commercial reforms and vigorously attracted investment. Many Italian merchants are running to the Eastern Empire. It shouldn't be so deserted, right?"

“Did the reform fail?”

Upon hearing this, Balsamon was silent for a moment and sighed softly.

"The reforms were very successful, and more merchants have come to the major cities of the empire."

"It's just that, recently, the citizens have gone to Hagia Sophia to pray, so it's a little deserted."

"Pray? For what? I asked some of the townspeople, but they didn't seem too keen to tell me."

Veneto smiled bitterly.

Balsamon pursed his lips and pointed to the Grand Palace in the distance.

"His Majesty Constantine is ill. It is said that he is seriously ill and often in a coma. It may be difficult for him to get better."

"It had been a long time since the citizens of Constantinople had seen His Majesty riding a horse on the streets. When the news came out, they panicked and began to go to the cathedral to pray for him."

Seeing Veneto was a little surprised, Balsamon continued.

"Now, all members of the main branch of the Palaiologos royal family are staying in the Grand Palace. This is a mandatory requirement from His Majesty Constantine. Although he fell ill before, he never issued such an order."

"He has now refused treatment and has driven away all the doctors that His Majesty Isaac invited for him. He just waits for Princess Isabella to give birth every day."

"In any case, may God bless this great holy warrior."

Balsamon crossed himself.

……

Above the vast ocean, the sky was gloomy. The storm had just ended, the dark clouds had not yet completely dissipated, and a thin layer of mist covered the front.

A fleet was sailing on the endless sea. The fleet consisted of four caravels and a small caravel. On the sails, a golden and red double-headed eagle was flying.

Obviously, this was the West Indian Exploration Fleet that had recently set sail westward from the Viceroyalty of St. Nicholas.

The fleet's voyage was not very smooth. On its first voyage, it encountered a storm just after leaving the port and hit a reef. It was forced to return to the St. Nicholas Islands for repairs, which delayed it for a long time.

During the second voyage, they encountered a storm again. After experiencing this round of storm, the exploration fleet lost a caravel and lost its original route, so they could only continue sailing westward.

On the flagship St. Cyril, Christopher Columbus held a compass and constantly corrected the course of the fleet.

"Lord Columbus, the Princess Anna is unlikely to return. The Nicea, which just reunited with us, saw them being overturned by the waves, but was unable to do anything."

The second mate came over and whispered to Columbus.

"Let the priests pray that their souls may ascend to heaven."

Columbus closed his eyes and made the sign of the Orthodox cross on his chest.

"already done."

The second mate thought about it and moved closer.

"My Lord, the ocean is unpredictable, and we cannot sail along the coast like the African fleet. Our current course is far from the route map given by Your Majesty. Do we still want to continue sailing?"

"Of course we must continue. God will guide us and we will eventually find the heaven on earth that belongs to Christians."

Columbus said firmly.

“As a sailor, the most important thing is not talent or ability, but courage.”

"What, are you scared?"

"What are you afraid of? You are not afraid, let alone me."

The second mate immediately raised his eyebrows.

"I used to be a sailor on the Grand Duke Morea. I sailed to the Western Ocean with Emperor Isaac 20 years ago. In sailing, you either conquer the world or lose everything. I've gotten used to it."

"Haha, well said, this is what a navigator should be like!"

Columbus laughed and patted the second mate on the shoulder.

"When we reach India, we will go down in history and be the center of attention!"

There was fanaticism in Columbus' eyes.

"My Lord, you are still obsessed with India? Hasn't India been discovered?"

The second mate shook his head helplessly.

"Maybe, but I always believe that the world is round. Maybe if we sail west, we can reach India?"

"Or maybe we can find an Eastern dynasty that is more mysterious than India, such as the Ming Dynasty and Dongying mentioned by the Arabs?"

"No matter what, there is never a hopeless situation. As long as we want to go, the way is right under our feet."

Columbus looked into the distance, his eyes full of confidence.

"God will bless us and help us conquer the paradise of our dreams, where there will be glory and gold, and everyone will have their own place."

He raised the golden cross given by his godfather and gently placed it to his lips.

"God, bless your believers."

As the fleet continued to sail westward, the dark clouds gradually dissipated, and the dazzling sunlight pierced through the clouds and shone on the eagle flag.

The fog in the distance gradually dissipated, and a hint of lush green appeared in the thick fog, looming.

Before Columbus could take a closer look, a cry of surprise came from the lookout tower.

"Mr. Columbus, a continent has been discovered ahead! It's not an island, it's an entire continent!"

……

On September 1467, 9, the Eastern Roman Empire's West Indian exploration fleet, led by Christopher Columbus, crossed the Atlantic Ocean and finally found the long-desired continent.

Due to the influence of the storm, the exploration fleet deviated slightly from the original planned route and did not arrive in the southeast of Brazil as Isaac had expected. Instead, it sailed northwest and landed near Venezuela.

Unfortunately, Columbus did not find the rich India in his imagination, nor did he encounter the legendary Ming Dynasty and Japan. The local area was almost deserted, and the few primitive tribes scattered around fled back to the jungle in terror after seeing the giant beasts in the sea.

However, Columbus was still very happy. According to the agreement with Isaac, he named the first land he landed as Saint Constantine and planted a double-headed eagle flag here.

From then on, the Eastern Roman Empire officially discovered the New World of America, completing the last piece of the puzzle of the early colonial empire, and a prosperous picture of glory and wealth, blood and darkness slowly unfolded.

Under the double-headed eagle of St. Constantine, Columbus ingeniously set up a stone tablet, on which he engraved his two favorite sentences in crooked Greek, both from Isaac's speeches at the navigation school.

Wherever the eagle flag points, it is the territory of the empire.

Where the eagle flag stands, the sun never sets.

(End of this chapter)