Page 358, C&C Baghdad and Constantinople

Classical era Constantinople and Baghdad are similar in that they both are wealthy and have an religious ruler, but differ in that Baghdad is more generous where Constantinople is not.

Constantinople and Baghdod both were very wealthy cities. Benjamin of Tudela described Baghdad having "great buildings of marble and columns of silver and gold" to describe the great extent of wealth in Baghdad. He also mentioned in Constantinople, that there are pillars and lamps of "gold and silver" to also reinforce the opulence of the city. In addition, he also mentioned of an religious ruler in both areas. In Constantinople, he mentioned of an pope, who ruled the church and Rome. Similarily, Baghdad also had an absolute ruler - a caliph, who was the "head of the Muslim religion, and all kings of Islam obeys him". Constantinople and Baghdad were different in terms of generosity. In Baghdad, Benjamin mentioned that the caliph was a benevolent man, who built a hospital for the sick and provided charity for those who came to Baghdad, wether they were "sick or insane". However, Benjamin did not mention of any form of charity or kind acts in Constantinople, and only mentioned of tribute being delivered from the Byzantine to the emperor. But Benjamin did go on to mention how many merchants travelled to Constantinople, which was a busy city, and most likely important for trade. It can be concluded that during the time, Baghdad was most likely more attractive to commoners and poor people due to the charity, but Constantinople attracted more merchants.