On This Day

Nika riots begin in Constantinople, a revolt against Byzantine Emperor Justinian I that leaves half the city burned and

Nika riots begin in Constantinople, a revolt against Byzantine Emperor Justinian I that leaves half the city burned and thousands dead. The riots are sparked by a botched execution of chariot racing supporters and end only after Empress Theodora refuses to flee, forcing her husband to act decisively

Nika riots begin in Constantinople, a revolt against Byzantine Emperor Justinian I that leaves half the city burned and thousands dead. The riots are sparked by a botched execution of chariot racing supporters and end only after Empress Theodora refuses to flee, forcing her husband to act decisively.

Key People

Justinian I

Roman emperor from 527 to 565 AD

Roman emperor from 527 to 565 AD

Events Before

  1. First draft of Corpus Juris Civilis or the Justinian Code (a fundamental work in jurisprudence) is issued by Eastern Rom

    First draft of Corpus Juris Civilis or the Justinian Code (a fundamental work in jurisprudence) is issued by Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian I

  2. Boniface II begins his reign as Catholic Pope on the death of Pope Felix IV

    Boniface II begins his reign as Catholic Pope on the death of Pope Felix IV

  3. Discorus short reign as Catholic antipope ends with his death

    Discorus short reign as Catholic antipope ends with his death

  4. Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian appoints a commission to codify the works of classical jurists (the Digest published 53

    Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian appoints a commission to codify the works of classical jurists (the Digest published 533)

  5. Battle of Callinicum: Roman general Belisarius defeated by Sasanian army led by Azarethes, though heavy losses on both s

    Battle of Callinicum: Roman general Belisarius defeated by Sasanian army led by Azarethes, though heavy losses on both sides result in a stalemate in northern Syria

Events After

  1. Byzantine general Belisarius defeats the Vandals led by King Gelimer at the Battle of Tricamarum

    The Vandals were a Germanic people who were first mentioned in the written records as the inhabitants of what is now Poland, during the period of the Roman Empire.

  2. John II begins his reign as the Bishop of Rome

    John II begins his reign as the Bishop of Rome

  3. General Belisarius of the Byzantine Empire defeats Gelimer and the Vandals at the Battle of Ad Decimium, near Carthage,

    General Belisarius of the Byzantine Empire defeats Gelimer and the Vandals at the Battle of Ad Decimium, near Carthage, North Africa

  4. Byzantine General Belisarius makes his formal entry into Carthage, having conquered it from the Vandals

    Byzantine General Belisarius makes his formal entry into Carthage, having conquered it from the Vandals

  5. The Institutes published - an official textbook of Roman law, part of Roman Emperor Justinian's program of legal reforms

    The Institutes published - an official textbook of Roman law, part of Roman Emperor Justinian's program of legal reforms

More from the 530s

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on January 13, 532?
Nika riots begin in Constantinople, a revolt against Byzantine Emperor Justinian I that leaves half the city burned and thousands dead. The riots are sparked by a botched execution of chariot racing supporters and end only after Empress Theodora refuses to flee, forcing her husband to act decisively.
Why is Nika riots begin in Constantinople, a revolt against Byzantine Emperor Justin... historically important?
The riots are sparked by a botched execution of chariot racing supporters and end only after Empress Theodora refuses to flee, forcing her husband to act decisively.
Who was involved in Nika riots begin in Constantinople, a revolt against Byzantine Emperor Justin...?
Key figures include Justinian I (Roman emperor from 527 to 565 AD).

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