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 …show more content…
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
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 …show more content…
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