>In the heart of Constantinople, ancient statues stood as silent watchers over the city. Once representing significant figures from history, their true identities slowly faded from collective memory. People began to view these figures not as historical reminders, but as symbols holding mystical power. >Ancient ruins and temples became associated with supernatural beings. Over time, many Byzantine citizens started to think of these spaces as haunted by otherworldly forces. The transformation of these places into feared locations illustrated a broader loss in cultural connections and historical context.>Emperor Manuel II often thought about the rich history of the Roman people. When he visited the ruins of a city established by Pompey the Great, he was struck by the passage of time. Observing the empty plains, he wondered about the names those places once held. He asked locals but found that no one could provide the answers. Many cities were destroyed, leaving only ruins behind. He remarked that while people could destroy cities, time could erase their identities from memory.
