O City of Byzantium...

[fajrdrako]

I was reading O City of Byzantium by Niketas Choniates this evening - his annals of the city in the late 12th century. To my surprise, when I first opened it at random, the book opened to the page where Choniates first introduces Conrad of Montferrat in 1171. Just the page I most wanted to go to.

I love history. I love those people of the 12th century, coming real on the page as I read. I love Niketas Choniates for writing this book. I love his introduction:

Historical narratives, indeed, have been invented for the common benefit of mankind, since those who will are able to gather from many of these the most advantageous insights. In recording ancient events and customs, the narratives elucidate human nature and expose men of noble sentiments, whose who nourish a natural love for the good, to varied experiences.