BYZANTINE EMPIRE notes
“Nika Revolt”
One of the many places to be in Constantinople for entertainment was at the Hippodrome.
This was where the chariot races were held. The races were so popular among the people,
the fans dressed in the colors of their favority “jockey.” The races were also very popular
with the teens of Constantinople, who formed their version of the “bloods and crips” by also
running together on the streets, creating mischief to the point of fighting. Fights were very
common, especially between the “Blues” and the “Greens.”
Justinian was the emperor of the Byzantine Empire. He was married to Theodora, who
had once been a burlesque dancer. Justinian was not a very popular emperor because of
his authoritarian style of governing and his high taxes.
Additionally, Justinian and Theodora belonged to the “Blues” and because of this, other
“Blues” took advantage of their political “Blue Friend” to have an attitude of arrogance
knowing they would be given some preferential treatment in society. Other groups,
especially the “Greens” were growing tired of this unfair treatment and as a result, street
violence increased between the two gangs.
In 531, members of the “Blues” and “Greens” had been arrested for a murder in connection
with deaths that occurred after a chariot race. Seven gang members were found guilty of
murder…4 were to be beheaded and 3 were to be hung.
On January 10, 532, the four were beheaded, but two of the criminals to be hanged did not
die because the scaffolding that was holding them collapsed. Two criminals, one a “Blue”
and the other a “Green,” escaped and were given asylum inside a church. Justinian called
for their release and death, but many called for them to be pardoned.
On January 13, 532, at the Hippodrome races, Justinian appeared in his royal box. Both
Blues and Greens began calling for him to free the two men. Justinian ignored the shouts,
but they got louder and louder. The Blues and Greens began screaming “Nika” (conquer)
and turned against Justinian.
Gangs began terrorizing Constantinople, freeing prisoners, fighting soldiers, and starting
fires, including destruction to the Hagia Sophia. Some Senators saw this as an opportunity
to overthrow Justinian and supported the rioters.
After a few days, Justinian returned to the Hippodrome with a Bible in his hand. He tried
to calm the mobs by telling them that all rebels would go unpunished if they would stop
fighting and give Justinian their loyalty, but the mobs did not stop. With the help of some
Senators, Hypatius was appointed by the Senate as the new Byzantine Emperor.
Justinian was advised to flee, but Theodora said she would never run, even if it meant her
death. She remarked “a throne would make a glorious tomb.” Justinian’s ships were
loaded with gold and ready to sail, but Justinian did not leave.
Justinian ordered Belisarius (loyal general) to take troops to the Hippodrome. The Nika
Revolt ended in a bloodbath with over 30,000 rioters and supporters of Hypatius being
massacred. Hypatius was taken hostage and executed the following day. His body was
tossed into the sea.
Justinian was now firmly in control with many of his enemies forced into hiding,
thanks to his wife!!