Nika Riots and Byzantine Politics

The video explores the Nika Riots of 532 A.D. in Constantinople, sparked by a chariot race and escalating into a major rebellion against Emperor Justinian. The riots, driven by political and social tensions, led to widespread destruction and the proclamation of a new emperor. Justinian, with strategic maneuvers and the help of his generals, quelled the riots and used the opportunity to rebuild Constantinople, including the construction of the iconic Hagia Sophia. The events highlighted the influence of chariot teams in Byzantine society and marked a turning point in Justinian's reign.

What is the modern name of Constantinople?

• Rome

• Cairo

• Istanbul

• Athens

What was the main cause of the Nika Riots?

• A religious dispute

• A chariot race

• A tax increase

• A political election

Which two chariot teams united during the riots?

• Blues and Greens

• Greens and Whites

• Reds and Whites

• Blues and Reds

Who was proclaimed as the new emperor by the rioters?

• Belisarius

• Hypatious

• Theodora

• Anastasius

What role did Theodora play during the riots?

• She fled the city

• She persuaded Justinian to stay

• She led the troops

• She negotiated with the rioters

How did Justinian manage to quell the riots?

• By increasing taxes

• By bribing the Blues and using military force

• By negotiating with the rioters

• By fleeing the city

Approximately how many people died during the Nika Riots?

• 40,000

• 30,000

• 20,000

• 10,000

What significant building was destroyed during the riots?

• The Parthenon

• The Great Pyramid

• The Hagia Sophia

• The Colosseum

What was one of Justinian's major achievements after the riots?

• Conquering Egypt

• Building a new Hagia Sophia

• Establishing a new religion

• Creating a new currency

What did the Nika Riots demonstrate about chariot teams in Byzantine society?

• They were insignificant

• They had no political influence

• They could challenge or support the emperor

• They were only interested in sports