Byzantine rulers were known to blind and mutilate their rivals.īyzantine politicians often avoided killing their rivals in favor of carrying out ghastly acts of physical mutilation. By the time the battle ended, the riot was crushed and an estimated 30,000 people were dead-as much as 10 percent of Constantinople’s entire population. Bolstered by her words, Justinian had his guards block the exits to the city’s Hippodrome-which the rioters were using as their headquarters-and then ambushed it with a host of mercenary troops. The Emperor Justinian nearly fled the capital, but was dissuaded by his wife, Theodora, who convinced him that it was nobler to fight for his crown.
For several days, the Blues and Greens ran amok through Constantinople burning buildings and even trying to crown a new ruler. These ancient hooligans were sworn enemies, but in 532, discontent over taxation and the attempted execution of two of their leaders saw them band together in a bloody insurrection known as the Nika Riots. Just as modern sports franchises have diehard fans, Byzantine chariot racing had the Blues and the Greens, a pair of fanatical-and often violent-supporters’ groups named for the colors worn by their favorite teams.
A riot by chariot racing hooligans nearly brought the Empire to its knees.
