Who were those loudmouths sitting lined up on wooden benches directly opposite the Imperial Seat at the Hippodrome, so the emperor could hear them well when they rhythmically sang whatever they wanted to tell him with shouts (and gestures!)? Who erected statues for the charioteers? Who went and sniffed the horses' nostrils to make sure the stable hands fed them properly so they could run fast? Who were those long-haired men who braided their hair back into a slender ponytail and shaved the sides to look wild and strong like the Huns? Who left their beards and mustaches long like the Persians? Who wore clothes different from the rest of the world, with very wide sleeves sewn in a way that puffed up when they moved their arms?