A chariot race in 532 spiraled into a riot that nearly toppled the Byzantine Empire
What began as a heated disagreement over a chariot race at the Hippodrome transformed into the Nika Riots, a violent uprising that burned half of Constantinople to the ground.
In January 532, rival sports factions known as the Blues and Greens united against Emperor Justinian I after a botched execution of their members. The shouting of 'Nika!' or 'Victory!' echoed through the streets as the mob set fire to the city, including the original Hagia Sophia.
Continue Reading in App
1 more paragraph · plus a 3-question quiz