On January 10, 532, violence between Blues and Greens escalated when Justinian executed five rioters but two survivors — rescued by monks — were sheltered in a monastery. Three days later, 30,000 Blues and Greens united in the Hippodrome chanting 'Nika' (Win) at Justinian. The mob burned churches, palaces, and most of the main streets, demanded the dismissal of Tribonian and John of Cappadocia, and attempted to crown first Probus then Hypatius as emperor. Justinian nearly fled until Theodora's famous speech stiffened his resolve; Belisarius, Mundus, and Narcissus then stormed the Hippodrome, killing over 30,000 people and ending the revolt. Brownworth calls it the turning point of Justinian's reign.
Also known as: Nica Revolt · Nika Riots · Nica Riots
What each episode says
Episode 7 (2 mentions)
On January 10, 532, violence between Blues and Greens escalated when Justinian executed five rioters but two survivors — rescued by monks — were sheltered in a monastery. Three days later, 30,000 Blues and Greens united in the Hippodrome chanting 'Nika' (Win) at Justinian. The mob burned churches, palaces, and most of the main streets, demanded the dismissal of Tribonian and John of Cappadocia, and attempted to crown first Probus then Hypatius as emperor. Justinian nearly fled until Theodora's famous speech stiffened his resolve; Belisarius, Mundus, and Narcissus then stormed the Hippodrome, killing over 30,000 people and ending the revolt. Brownworth calls it the turning point of Justinian's reign.
“of 30,000 blues and greens all screaming a single word, Nica, over and over again.”
“The Nica Revolt, as it came to be called, was the turning point in Justinian's reign.”
Episode 8 (2 mentions)
The Nika Riots are referenced from the previous episode as the event that left Constantinople 'smoldering in ruins' but Justinian secure on his throne, creating the opportunity for the building campaign and western reconquest that are the subject of this episode.
“reign to his coronation and the Nica Riots, which left the capital smoldering in ruins”
“back in Constantinople helping to put down the Nica revolt, and there, expecting to be sent to”
Episode 9 (2 mentions)
Referenced twice in the episode: once as the event in which the original Hagia Sophia was burned, and once as the only prior military experience of Narses — who helped suppress the riots. The burning of the Hagia Sophia is what gave Justinian the opportunity to build the far grander replacement.
“The old eunuch, whose only military experiences were in suppressing the Nica Riots and effectively”
“Of the many buildings burned in the Nica Riots, the most important one was the Basilica”
Episode 11 (1 mention)
“The gate had been built by Justinian after the Nica Riots and was an impressive structure.”
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