History glossary
Nika riots
the 532 uprising in Constantinople that nearly overthrew Justinian before being violently suppressed.
- Category
- Urban revolt
- Region
- Constantinople
- Date range
- 532
What it means
The Nika riots began from factional unrest around Constantinople's chariot-racing factions and escalated into a major urban revolt against Justinian. Large parts of the city burned, a rival emperor was proclaimed, and imperial forces brutally suppressed the uprising, clearing the way for Justinian's rebuilding programme.
