Nika Riots and Byzantine Politics

The Nika riots erupted in Constantinople in 532 during Emperor Justinian I's reign, driven by political and social tensions and rivalry between chariot racing factions, the Blues and the Greens. The riots began after the arrest and execution of faction members, leading to widespread destruction, including the burning of the Hagia Sophia. The rioters demanded the removal of corrupt officials and attempted to install a rival emperor. Justinian ordered the rebellion to be crushed, resulting in thousands of deaths. In the aftermath, he initiated reconstruction projects, including rebuilding the Hagia Sophia.

What were the Nika riots primarily fueled by?

• Economic prosperity

• Political and social tensions

• Religious differences

• Natural disasters

Which two factions were involved in the Nika riots?

• The Blues and the Greens

• The Yellows and the Purples

• The Reds and the Whites

• The Blacks and the Oranges

What role did the Blues and Greens play in Byzantine society?

• They were religious leaders

• They were military generals

• They were racing teams and political factions

• They were foreign diplomats

What event triggered the escalation of the Nika riots?

• A foreign invasion

• The arrest and execution of faction members

• A natural disaster

• A religious festival

How did Emperor Justinian initially try to pacify the factions?

• By scheduling chariot races

• By offering them money

• By exiling their leaders

• By granting them land

What was one of the demands of the rioters during the Nika riots?

• To expand the empire

• To increase taxes

• To build more churches

• To remove corrupt officials

What was the outcome of Justinian's order to crush the rebellion?

• Thousands of rioters were killed

• The empire was divided

• The city was abandoned

• The rioters were pardoned

What major reconstruction project did Justinian undertake after the riots?

• Constructing a new city wall

• Rebuilding the Hagia Sophia

• Building a new palace

• Creating a new marketplace