Historical Kits
BYZANTIUM
Following the Nika Riots of 532 CE, Byzantine Emperor Justinian I loses interest in chariot racing. He decides to make an amendment to the Code of Justinian and adopts soccer as the national sport of the empire. He founds a new team based in Constantinople named AEK Basileuousa. Wanting to project the strength and opulence of his empire, he creates this design.
There were two things Justinian obsessed over during his reign; solidifying Christianity as the sole religion of the empire and reclaiming old Roman lands from stinky barbarians. Both of these ideas are reflected in the shirt. The main design features a subtle pattern based off lamellar armor of the time. The sleeves contain a cross-inspired pattern.
As was the case in all of Justinian's endeavors, his wife Theodora had a significant influence on the design of the shirt. She recommended (or demanded) the Tyrian purple & gold combination. The kit is made with one of the most precious commodities of the medieval world, silk. Justinian was able to procure some of this valuable material at a lower cost in return for the sponsorship on the front (Imperial Silk.)
"In this sign you shall conquer." Justinian took inspiration from the chi-ro God showed to Constantine the Great before his battle against Maxentius. The minimalist approach was taken to humble himself and his team. However, the emperor did not hesitate in planting a crown atop the crest right before its completion. Just a friendly reminder to any potential soccer hooligans what happened the last time a sporting event got too rowdy.
Reflection
After finishing up graduation, I'm preparing on having a lot more free time while I'm looking for a job. I want to devote some of that into making more shirts. I began this project in an effort to combine two of my passions - soccer and history. My favorite empire takes the first spot on the list. I had plenty of fun and learned a lot. I hope to continue doing these. Below are some of the inspirations for this kit. 
Byzantine clothing of the upper and religious classes (left), mosaic of Justinian I as part of the Vestibule Mosaic in the Hagia Sophia (center), Byzantine fresco of Joshua held in the Hosios Loukas monastery (right)
