Young Emperor and an Empire Full of Troubles
While the Byzantine Empire was still one of the more powerful empires of the day, it still had problems. Justinian had bold plans to reclaim the fallen Western Empire, including Italy and Africa. He was also an ambitious builder, starting construction on numerous forts around the Empire and within Constantinople. Lastly, Justinian combined multiple aging and struggling law systems into one unified body of civil law.
While we remember Justinian as one of the greatest Emperors the Byzantines had, his plans nearly bankrupted the empire early on. his focus on western conquests led to losses in the east and a humiliating peace that had the Empire paying tribute to the Persians. While being codified, the new law system was quite chaotic, needing several years to become implemented.
A Day at the Races and a Population Ready to Erupt
While Justinian had always been a fan of the Blues, he made attempt to distance himself when he became emperor. In previous races, there had been murders as part of a smaller riot. Members of both the Blues and the Greens were found guilty of using the riots as cover for some of the murders.
The men were sentenced to be hanged, absolutely normal for the period, but the public rose up and demanded that the men of the popular teams be pardoned. Justinian had three choices; pardon the men and seem weak, but placate the mob for the moment, go forward with the executions and solidify his authority early in his reign, or delay any action and create a restless and angry mob. Justinian chose the third option and postponed any action.
As plans went ahead for a new race, something unusual happened; fans and members of the staunchest of rivals, the Blues and Greens, united in hatred of Justinian. During the races, the excitement and anger grew until shots of “Nika!”, meaning conquer or win, filled the air as a signal to essentially overthrow Justinian. Close to 100,000 people in the massive stadium turned into a violent mob and suddenly the palace, connected to the Hippodrome, was under siege.
A Defining Moment and Theodora’s Empire-saving Words
Seeing practically his whole capital revolt against him, Justinian was understandably shaken. Members of the nobility were also on the side of the rioters, hoping to usurp Justinian and place Hypatius on the throne, a nephew of a former emperor. Fires quickly ravaged the city, even burning down the main church in the city. Palace guards were on high alert trying to keep hastily armed and foolishly brave citizens from invading the palace.
Justinian and his closest advisors made plans to flee the city simply to survive. Justinian’s wife, Theodora, seemed to be able to see the whole picture and urged her husband to stay. She reportedly said “Royalty is a fine burial shroud”, or something to that effect, likely the words were really added by a later writer, but the general message stayed the same.
Such comments and bravery from Justinian’s younger and passionate wife spurred him to action. Justinian sought the help of his eunuch aide, Narses, and two of his still-loyal generals, Belisarius and Mundus, who would both continue on to amazing battlefield careers.