This book, written in the late 70s. XX century, has not lost any of its relevance and interest. It is being published now for the first time, since its author emigrated to the USA in 1978, and all the manuscripts he submitted for publication were, naturally, immediately rejected by publishing houses. The book is popular in nature, intended for the widest circles of history buffs, and nevertheless is based on numerous and in-depth research by the author. It contains an entertaining historical plot, based on the reports of the 12th century Byzantine historian Niketas Choniates, but this plot is by no means the main thing, but rather a means and frame for reasoning and curious observations of the life and customs of the Byzantines. The book is a wide panorama of the life of Byzantium, seen through the eyes of A . P. Kazhdan. The publication was prepared with the participation of A. A. Chekalova. Selection of illustrations by V. N. Zalesskaya (State Hermitage).