Summary: A Long Time Anticipated Revolt

A Long-time Anticipated Revolt Changes the Emperor’s Attitude towards Success
Last week, the week of January 10, two murderers, a Blue and a Green, connected with the riots after the 531 chariot race escaped their imprisonment and took refuge in a sanctuary of a church surrounded by an angry mob. The emperor, Justinian, caught wind of this and was nervous for he was in the midst of negotiating with the Persians over peace in the east, there was enormous resentment over high taxes, and he now faced a potential crisis in his city. Facing this, he declared that a chariot race would be held on January 13 and declared the imprisonment of the two escapees. Not surprisingly, the Blues and Greens responded by demanding that the two men be pardoned
entirely. On January 13, the tense and angry citizens arrived at the Hippodrome for the races.
Watching from the safety of his palace he was able to preside over the races. From the start of the races, the crowds had been throwing insults at Justinian but by the end of the day the chants had changed from “Blue” or “Green” to “Conquer!” and the crowds broke out and assaulted the palace. Fires were started during the riot which has resulted in the destruction of much of the city including this city’s foremost church, the Hagia Sophia (which Justinian is considering to rebuild). Some of the senators viewed this riot as an opportunity to overthrow Justinian as they were opposed to his new taxes and his lack of support for the nobility as most of the citizens also are. The rioters, most likely controlled by the senators at the time, demanded that Justinian dismiss John the Cappadocian, our tax collector, as well as Tribonian, one of our core legislators. They then declared Hypatius, the nephew of our dear former Emperor Anatasius I, the new emperor “crowning” him with a gold chain as it was the only thing they had access to. It is no surprise to hear that Emperor Justinian, in despair, considered fleeing but Empress Theodora came to the rescue and dissuaded him. Sources
report that she said, “Those who have worn the crown should never survive its loss. Never will I see the day when I am not saluted as empress.” Although an escape route had been prepared for the emperor, Theodora insisted that she and the emperor would stay in the city and said, “Purple makes a fine winding sheet.” Our sources then report that Justinian quickly collected himself and created a plan that involved Narses as well as the generals, Belisarius and Mundus. Narses entered the Hippodrome alone and unarmed against an angry mob. Narses was able to alter the opinions of the Blue’s causing them to stop the crowning of Hypatius and storm out of the Hippodrome. Sources remember the Greens sitting stunned, unable to believe what had just happened. It is then that Belisarius and Mundus’s troops stormed the Hippodrome killing the remaining rebels. About thirty thousand rioters were reportedly killed. Justinian has also had Hypatius executed and the senators who supported the riot exiled. He has started to rebuild our grand city of Constantinople and it is rumored that he is contemplating rebuilding the Hagia Sophia as well. This revolt has definitely allowed Justinian to feel free to pursue his ultimate dream of a united Empire