Bloodline Rising Novel Analysis

Medieval Constantinople

Bloodline Rising by Katy Moran takes place in Constantinople, in the seventh century. The main character of the novel is a boy named Cai, nicknamed “Ghost”, who is known throughout the city as the best, and most sly thief in all of Constantinople. Christianity was strongly encouraged by the government, and was also used as the only source of hope for the poor, which includes Cai’s family. One day Cai was caught stealing by government police, and then shipped off to Britain, to become a slave. While Cai was in Britain, he finds out many new things about himself and his family’s background. Three main concepts in this novel are, religion, social structure, and Medieval Constantinople’s economy. Katy Moran’s Bloodline

The government did not force Christianity on the citizens of Constantinople, but they strongly encouraged it. The churches were made very welcoming, with kind priests who distributed small amounts of food to the poor. Also, churches were constructed beautifully with stained glass. “World History: Medieval Eras” explains “Constantinople was a city of churches, and the signs of Christianity were visible everywhere. Two of the most important religious buildings had been begun by Constantine I or his immediate followers: the Great Church near the acropolis, and the Holy Apostles with the imperial mausoleum close to the outer walls. By the sixth century places of worship could be found in every corner of the city. Most of these were small and attracted people who lived nearby. Others were built by imperial or private donors, sometimes in a spirit of competitive display. Foundations ranged from minor shrines honoring local martyrs to enormous buildings that covered an entire block.” The churches were made with gothic arches and stained glass. The stained glass illustrated stories from the