Deadly Moments in History - The Nika Riots

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We relive the deadly Nika Riots which brought the Emperor Justinian to his knees and resulted in the death of 30,000 civilians. In our journey we will explore the history of chariot racing, the undercurrents of dissent, and the blow by blow unfolding of the riot.
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Twitter: / invictahistory
Documentary Credits:
Research: Invicta and Luas McCahill
Script: Invicta
Artwork: Robbie McSweeney
Editing: Invicta
Music: Total War Soundtrack, Dreamnote, Recognition
Literary Sources
-History of the Wars, I by Procopius
-Empress Theodora by J. A. S. Evans
-Justinian: The Last Roman Emperor by G. P. Baker

[@SebAnders]

little known fact: the sack of Constantinople in 1204 was carried out not by crusaders but by Scottish football fans when the supply of irn bru ran out.

[@lovepeoplehu9883]

Racist

[@nabobofdub4631]

Braw!

[@maximillionomara1869]

99

[@jorgeptolemy5999]

@@lovepeoplehu9883 We wouldn't have to mock Scottish people if y'all would just stop being so hilarious

[@qetoun]

One of Scotland's many shames.

[@robinschlyter309]

Fantastic episode but damn, Robbie McSweeney's artwork really brings it to life!

[@robbiemcsweeney1318]

Thanks! Had fun creating the artwork :)

[@geemanamatin8383]

I always wondered who made the pictures. good job Robbie!

[@agenttommy1]

Robbie McSweeney it’s so good and it’s historically accurate!! Cheers man!

[@owented]

There’s a picture at 13:23 when the inside of the soldiers shield has those little weighted arrowheads whatever they were called that you would throw at your enemy much like a dart

[@HistoryMarche]

Outstanding presentation. I've read extensively about Justinian, yet this video was entirely refreshing.

[@InvictaHistory]

HistoryMarche great to hear you enjoyed it : )

[@HistoryMarche]

Sure did, and I would definitely like to see more focus on making Moments in History documentaries.

[@jeffbenton6183]

@@HistoryMarche I'm curious, 'cause I've been thinking about it recently, and since you seem to have been reading about it more than I, do you consider Justinian to be over-all a good ruler?

[@lucianoevan1157]

pro tip : you can watch series on kaldrostream. Me and my gf have been using them for watching all kinds of movies lately.

[@brycentristan7359]

@Luciano Evan Definitely, have been watching on KaldroStream for since november myself =)

[@rubenheymans1988]

This quality, still weird there nothing like this on tv, not even close

[@InvictaHistory]

all thanks to the support of viewers and Patrons : )

[@SGTDROUIN]

It wouldn't be popular enough. Just ask yourself why the ''HistoryChannel'' has became just pawnshop and conspiracy shit, people aren't interested in stuff that require brain power and money is king. Making people dumber and making more money is the best combination to control the masses.

[@Valivali94]

I think if you like informative entertainment, today the tv has been almost entirely replaced by good youtube channels. It is just a shame that youtube does not support them in a way sustainable for the creators.

[@manictiger]

@Alexandre Drouin Most people don't have any brainpower. I used to want people to improve themselves, but with enough experience and time, I've formed a new hypothesis: the average person is incapable of improving themselves beyond college general ed level. They are simply too stupid.

[@this_is_patrick]

TV people don't care about genuine history anymore, ancient aliens and space Nazis is the new norm by this point.

[@BVargas78]

It's great that Byzantine History get's a lot more recognition these days! Mainly thanks to the excellent online communities and channels. Excellent work.

[@tylerellis9097]

BVargas78, problem is the best part 867-1066 is basically nonexistent on the internet.

[@paprskomet]

A thanks to getting bigger attention its also great that more and more people starts to rightly criticize manipulative Byzantine terminology.

[@BVargas78]

Byzantium trilogy by John Julius Norwich gives a colourful account of the period. Worth looking into!

[@MarkMcAllister-ni9sf]

NC for life!

[@kevray]

Terran Republic is better!!

[@mastabewbew9733]

" The match is lit "

[@GoooAwayyy]

💯💯😂😂😂👌👌👌

[@CatholicWeeb]

@@GoooAwayyy Don't use emoji please, thank you.

[@kingofnuclearfallout39]

FIRE AWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@QuaddyBoi]

@@CatholicWeeb 😂😂😂😳🤭💀 bruh

[@hst615]

"This match will get red hot." Wallop!

[@thekillers1stfan]

Friendly Reminder that the Secret History of Procopius written by Justinian's actual personal historian exists and the whole thing is filled with It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia type chapter titles such as: I. How The Great General Belisarius Was Hoodwinked By His Wife, Whose Lover Became A Monk XI. How the Defender of the Faith Ruined His Subjects XII. Proving That Justinian and Theodora Were Actually Fiends in Human Form XVII. How Theodora Saved Five Hundred Harlots from a Life of Sin and a personal favorite XVIII. How Justinian Killed a Trillion People

[@InvictaHistory]

thekillers1stfan haha thats a really awesome way to put it

[@InquisitorThomas]

Has there even been a Trillion Humans across all of history?

[@vesuvyan]

some historians and demographers say yes, some say no. Considering we didn't break 1 billion Concurrent Humans until the 1800s, I am personally on the no side. It might be closer to 50 Billion *Modern* (Last 300,000 years) Humans to have ever lived, and even that might be a stretch

[@bladesmann7593]

thekillers1stfan That would be an amazing title for a It's Always Sunny episode. Da daa da daaa da daaaa "How the gang killed a trillion people"

[@arisardar6018]

"How He Seized All the Wealth of the Romans and Threw It Away" is too pretty cool chapter title from that book.

[@galvaton10000]

Ancient people would have loved NASCAR

[@overlordgaming752]

@david edbrooke-coffin just because you don’t like it doesn’t meant you need to share that opinion, just saying

[@overlordgaming752]

@david edbrooke-coffin just because you can doesn’t mean you should.

[@overlordgaming752]

@david edbrooke-coffin and where has that gotten you so far?

[@davidedbrooke9324]

@@overlordgaming752 pretty good thanks for your input!

[@SploderZimAnderzoon]

@david edbrooke-coffin you're the definition of male karen

[@mrwehrmachtguy1171]

Remember: Never say the N-word to the Emperor

[@lordbyron899]

Truth

[@LuizAlexPhoenix]

@King Westone of American Jerusalem BELISARIUS, READY THE TROOPS!

[@dreysantillan]

What's up my nika

[@comradepolarbear6920]

Nero

[@LordofBabylon]

*Mansa Musa entered the chat*

[@adomalyon1]

Talk smack, get smacked. Belisarius :1 Hooligans :0

[@denizmetint.462]

That's something I imagine Belisarius to say.

[@justinian-the-great]

Your work that day was beutiful. Thanks for saving my throne. Btw......I was thinking of re-reconquest of Italy. You know, like we did in the good old days. What do ya think?

[@polbasilio8290]

Nika Nika Niii

[@justinian-the-great]

@@polbasilio8290 That song is still haunting me in my dreams.

[@wilmerbesitan1200]

@@justinian-the-great I agree

[@fl333r]

Poor poor Hypatius. Forced out of palace by Justinian’s paranoia, made into a puppet claimant by the Greens, and then executed by Justinian. Hypatius fought at Dara along Belisarius and stayed by Justinian’s side during the riots and the reward for his service was being left to the mob and then murdered for political reasons.

[@TheTariqibnziyad]

fl333r politics for you baby

[@stalinfortimee5065]

fl333r it’s sad but if you look at it Justinian really didn’t have much of a choice if he let him live he would’ve left a someone alive who would’ve been a threat to throne. In ancient times this couldn’t of happened. If he would’ve been left alive he could’ve at any time for any reason made a claim to the throne and started a civil war.

[@addadu8031]

Really, it was more theodora that made him execute him

[@johnhardin2269]

They don't call 'em emperors for nothing. Belisarius was blinded with needles.

[@addadu8031]

John Hardin that story is apocryphal. The story originated in the 12th century, by monk John Tzetzes as a way to criticize the political figures of the day

[@Thumbsupurbum]

As a fan of modern racing, I would love to see an ancient chariot race. Sounds like crashes going into turn 1 were as common then as it is now.

[@ahhmm5381]

lol

[@danielnewman3441]

Reminds me of Supercross first turn.

[@historycenter4011]

I just realized that Nike was the Greek god of victory and they'd shout Nika which means victory. I love when it all comes together.

[@zaladatv]

It's the verb, it's a call to the racer to win

[@Michael_the_Drunkard]

Goddess

[@thedrinkinggamemaker9749]

Just Do It

[@Sihengli]

Please do more eastern Roman and Byzantine stuff please! (The art is awesome)

[@Dokrovluka]

What a dumb comment, you have put the terms eastern Roman and Byzantine in the same sentence!

[@araposkulo]

Pfff... and people are worried about modern sports hooligans.

[@InvictaHistory]

this is on such another level its crazy. Massive crowd o fanatics, street murders, and no police force... yikes

[@Telsion]

Invicta did Justinian erect police forces after these revolts or not?

[@claudiu-mihaipuiu1221]

Telsion There was something resembling a police force before the riots, but I doubt they could have done anything against tens of thousands of armed rioters.

[@araposkulo]

I assume that there would be a City Guard of sorts (just a handful of people for each major area like the forum or the marketplace) with the task of patrolling and keeping order around those parts but as Claudiu not much they could have done.

[@costasvrettakos]

During the time of the empire this was the job of the Praetorian guard. There was always some force to garrison the city but it is not easy to send them to kill 30000 of your own people in any way...

[@erictaylor5462]

It seems in this case, blue and green made red.

[@philipians1635]

ok

[@Tr4sh_can34]

the more I watch this channel and reading history the more I realize that we never changed

[@AmrodOfDale]

The response was brutal and effective, cementing Justinian's authority to turn the Byzantine Empire into a superpower of its time. Its amazing to see how such key event as two hooligans caught in a gang fight could alter the course of history.

[@AmrodOfDale]

@Maria Kelly That is correct :D

[@TheEvergreenGirl1]

It's almost as if it was too good to be true 🤨 I smell a conspiracy lol

[@sonnywilson748]

@@TheEvergreenGirl1 or maybe a “re writing” of one small detail….thats all it would take. Gang fight? Or rebel leaders?

[@InvictaHistory]

In this episode we dive into a particularly deadly riot that brought the Emperor Justinian to his knees. Once again we have partnered with TheGreatCoursesPlus to make this video possible. Trying out their service goes a long way in helping to support the channel: ow.ly/OEJ030iqEtq. If you are interested in this sort of history I honestly can't recommend their lecture series enough. I am currently working my way through "Living Moments" and another one on the Vikings which are both fantastic. Let me know what you think.

[@levinb1]

" we dive into a particularly deadly *(subject needed)* that brought the Emperor..."

[@Nw-zh1uq]

Very good work there sir. A round of applause for you

[@tullussulla6167]

Invicta *NIIIKKKAAA!!!!*

[@MrLolx2u]

To be brutally honest, the whole Byzantine Empire could stand to what it was during that time had nothing to do with Justinian but it's mostly Theodora's work. Like the video had mentioned, Theodora was loathed by the population and even members of the senate for being a mere peasant who got lucky and became an empress but when the whole senate was wavering into either fleeing with the royalists or revolting, Theodora was the only one who pulled the reins of the whole ministry and made sure those loyalist stayed loyal and kept Constantinople safe. In return of her rousing speech, the city was not safe but at least they showed that they won't be cowered ever again. 2nd time that Theodora shown her prowess was during the time Constantinople had the great plague. Justinian was down with it and the whole senate was in panic. Many of it's members were down with it too and many had died on the streets and countryside, collapsing the economy and the populace. As no one was in power with Justinian bedridden, the whole country was yet again poised for collapse but it was Theodora yet again saving the populace and the royalist by banning entrances to anyone by blocking the borders, resolving the war that Justinian started before the plague hit him with the Sassanid Empire, ruled the country with a compassionate but iron fist while taking care of Justinian and his followers at the same time. She's the true superwoman of the Dark Ages and what a champion she is...

[@sor3999]

They resent Theodora for lucking out, but I guess those aristocratic types forgot they lucked out being born in the right families and had everything from food and position handed to them. Boy things don’t change the way people take their good fortune for granted.

[@budibausto]

hmm...no mention of Belisarius?

[@zjackshot]

@@budibausto eh, he was just a general, a damn good one but all he was good for was pointing at a place and taking it.

[@eribloo6055]

Never existed byzant empire only East Roman Empire or costantinupole empire

[@caesar9708]

She was a great woman. But to claim she has a bigger impact than Justinian is utter nonsense. Justinian made Theodora from a prostitute to an empress. The great advisors that shaped the empire into its mightiest form was chosen by Justin. All the campaigns to retake the lost lands was made and executed by Justin. Yes, Theodora assisted Justin greatly in his times of needs. But he was the main sculpturer.

[@joelochoa2340]

"The match is lit" I see what you did there

[@sterkar99]

Greeks nowadays are still kinda obsessed with sports teams

[@user-it2hc6bx5t]

We've always been pioneering......

[@e.gundogan8656]

Turks as well. Source: I'm a Turk.

[@lemmym7393]

Italians plus everyone else

[@jakeb8434]

Hey, I learned about that in Extra Credits Justinian series :)

[@boinkohh8394]

And those were amazing episodes

[@jakeb8434]

Ty, Yes they were

[@jakeb8434]

William DeMarco, May the Hagia Sophia stand as a testament to his and Eastern Rome’s glory!

[@tylerellis9097]

JakeB84, cough cough stoped being east Rome in 480 just Rome or Byzantium.

[@brandonc7668]

Extra History is such a great channel. Just like Invicta ;)

[@Canehduhboy]

Are you ever going to finish The Siege of Jerusalem series?

[@thelilbrans]

THIS!!! ^

[@KoenBoyful]

Please

[@InvictaHistory]

It was put on pause a while ago as other priorities arose. I chip away at it every other week and and close to finishing part 3. I can't say when it will be released for sure.

[@comradewildcat1770]

What about the evolution of the Roman Army? That ones been on a hold for a while and I can't wait to see the rest of it.

[@Canehduhboy]

ok thank you. i love your vids especially the Classical Antiquity documentaries and happy to know you are working on it. thanks for all you hard work!

[@charlieparker4596]

Never clicked on a video as quick in my life

[@AlbertM170]

Same here. I was already watching this video 2 minutes after seeing the post notification.

[@IsThisRain]

500 AD Eagles fans smh Edit: They're Romans, so they're *literally* the 500 AD *Eagles* fans

[@brodieknight772]

Noice

[@Vitalis94]

+BadMagick The Eastern divide is purely made by historians as well, no one in the Empire in 500 AD nor in 1453 AD considered themselfs "Eastern Roman". There was continuation from the ancient times, maybe with slight pause during the 4th crusade, when Constantinople was captured. Greeks were simply Roman at the time, no matter what language they spoke. Greek was used as official language even in Rome itself for centuries prior, so...

[@tylerellis9097]

BadMagick, you idiot irrelevant when their flag was still an eagle.

[@Nick-hg1ys]

Is This Rain? For real. Who do you think was the Bills Mafia?

[@cultofmalgus1310]

the NFL blows, as do sports in general.

[@workingpeon9316]

The art in this video is just spot on.

[@InvictaHistory]

it truly is epic! Huge props to Robbie McSweeney for his work and the Patreon supporters who make it possible to commission him

[@ryanstygar1888]

Just discovered Invicta this week. LOVE these videos. Great work!

[@deepdivyam3437]

When he said the match is lit I thought he was talking about how epic the race was 😂

[@antonia8770]

Severely underrated comment

[@therodyman700]

I wonder what would happen if an entire football stadium would chant "NIKA" today

[@savedbychristsavedbygrace2049]

Same thing history repeats itself. There is nothing new under this sun.

[@Moepowerplant]

1985?

[@Tallness1000]

Love the channel. Very informative and it give a great perspective on people’s mentally in the past. Which gives me a great sense of connection to the past. Keep on Invicta!

[@p03saucez]

I absolutely love these historical highlight videos. Please keep these coming as often as possible. Also Belisarius was a complete badass.

[@LittleMacscorner]

Really loving binging on your vids, mate!! I'm already scared I'll eventually get to the last one!! Please keep making them faster than I can watch them, lol (I love history, and I learn knew stuff all the time, and you make it entertaining as well.)

[@xc6325]

these nikas need to chill.

[@carbonado2432]

uppity nikkans

[@contradicsean]

Nika please lol

[@thehaj5249]

@@contradicsean NLM

[@seacowbaxter1]

I love the artwork! Makes the video along with your very interesting and knowledgeable commentary a very good watch! I love these videos, keep up the good work :)

[@squiremacg7526]

Still not as bad as an old firm game Edit: The plumbatas on the shield at 13:28, just wanted to express my appreciation for historical detail

[@InvictaHistory]

The artist Robbie McSweeney really knows his stuff

[@uninterruptedrhythm4104]

old firm is shit compared to this riot

[@owented]

LITERALLY! Amazing! I love it!

[@juliosunga3530]

You forgot to mention the role of Narses, the eunuch sent by the emperor to buy off the Blue's leaders and remind them that the emperor has been a blue supporter and that the impostor Hypatius was a Green supporter. Most of the Blues left the stadium and then the army stormed it killing the Greens and some of the Blues that chose to stay.

[@paprskomet]

They actually do mention Narses but incorrectly as a general(he only became later,he held no military command at that point) while they fail(same as you do)to mention Mundas which was a great commander and one of the best late at the reign of Justin and early in that of Justinian.But I agree that most modern narrations completely ignores anyone else but Belisarius.

[@rosicroix777]

TY for posting a great video, i've never heard of the Nica riots in any of the books about roman/byzantine history that I've read so this was a really wonderfull & informative video IMO. TY again & keep up the good work as this video was impressive enough that its caused me to subscribe to your channel.

[@danielpalma1426]

The Nika riots are part of Justinian's history and legacy. It would be like talking about Lincoln without acknowledging the Civil War.

[@con_roxp]

I’m in love with the artwork. Awesome video!

[@QRPilon]

Truly amazing artwork! Love these videos

[@bonktonk74]

Exactly like Portland 2020

[@mendagaditano12]

Great CK2 event

[@CDang-ms6dc]

The first time the event happens, it is interesting. The second time or third time, fourth time . . . is boring.

[@rednomness1760]

Send in the Varangians!!!

[@BillyTzENDURO]

Awesome man! i've learned that stuff in school, but those vids make it so much more real

[@mrmjbl]

Please continue these videos. Ya'll really help with my love for history! Thank God for this channel

[@denizmetint.462]

I love the artwork. Especially due to the fact that it's so highly accurate.

[@toddcytra]

This is a fantastic chapter of history, thank you for this excellent video. To anyone interested, I would also recommend a novel series by Guy Gavriel Kay, Sailing to Sarantium and Lord of Emperors. These events are the backdrop of the story.

[@silverlegionary1636]

I still dont understand how this channel does not have more than a million subs by now. This is amazing.

[@benrunciman4399]

Absolutely incredible video mate

[@jerseyjunior]

Wow, this content is so good Invicta, and hat's off to Mr. McSweeney for amazing artwork!

[@InvictaHistory]

Jon Rob his work is truly amazing. So glad it paid off! Thanks to the support from patrons we've been able to comission a ton of scenes from him : )

[@northernleigonare]

Love this video.. art is amazing.. perfection

[@kirschakos]

Amazing once again! Well done! :)

[@costasvrettakos]

Great video man! You should check all this kind of moments that happened during the romans, especially during Byzantine times, and there are a lot really crazy stuff...

[@tullussulla6167]

And it was this Belusarius story begins.

[@paprskomet]

No it was not.

[@tullussulla6167]

paprskomet your right, his story started when he was a Bodyguard for Justinian's Uncle.

[@tullussulla6167]

paprskomet but you know what I mean. Or perhaps it was the battle of Dara.

[@timroberts4635]

Wonderful,, entertaining & very accurate depiction of the Nicca riots.... GREAT JOB....!!!! I'll definitely subscribe....

[@timroberts4635]

Sorry autocorrect sucks.. The "Nika riots" rather... Lol

[@kingofrome9983]

This was a really interesting video, thanks!

[@georgets5669]

Very nice keep up the great work.May i ask what program do you use to draw the images?Thank you!!!! INVICTA NIKA

[@DieMasterMonkey]

I love this kind of stuff! Whenever someone says how bad things are, I say "read history!" Actually we're probably about as safe and civilized as ever. Great vid!

[@niconilo97]

We still can do better, and be aware to not do worst

[@YAH2121]

You're right. Compared to the rest of history, we actually live in the most secure, safest and civilized time period in humanity (excluding global terrorism and terrorism in the Middle East).

[@tomhall5217]

This comment didn’t age well

[@jacobpeters9919]

@@tomhall5217 wut

[@CelticSaint]

'The games often doubled as an outlet for discontent' - I like that! Orwell's 5 minutes of hate.

[@rudolfvonwolf6647]

Awesome pictures in the vid! Keep up the great work!

[@NikiGalabov]

Awesome video! Great work as always!!!

[@briangarrow448]

Belisarius!!!! The greatest general of the Eastern Roman Empire. And yet, his talents were wasted in Justinians desire to reconquer the West.

[@tylerellis9097]

Brian Garrow, so true man was a genius, no Roman general could match his skills for over 400 years.

[@argoarcontediatene8557]

i totally agree with you

[@paprskomet]

@@tylerellis9097 Belisarius was a good general but far from perfect.

[@tylerellis9097]

paprskomet, yeah I don’t know why I was overrating Bellasarius. Narses, John trizmekes and Nikephoros Phokas were honestly just as good Commanders, Nikephoros more so.

[@adventuressurvivalinthailand]

Why was is wasted in the West? The re conquest of the West was a great operation, I don't get your point. What else did you want Belisarius to do

[@rumo893]

„The Emperor was expected to communicate with them directly - via herald“ 😜

[@aokiaoki4238]

He did actually and they swear at him

[@brokenbridge6316]

Always heard about this event. And I knew it had a deadly end. But that's it. Glad I know more about what happened. This was very informative. Nice job.

[@Mr_Faptiful]

Yea. Finally another video :) i cant wait for another one. I would like to see the slave uprising in carthago during punic wars would be awesome. Anyway Invicta thank you for your video im really glad to see it :) keep up the good work. Have a nice day

[@CDang-ms6dc]

I first knew this green-blue rivalry from CK2 and Assassin's Creed: Origin.

[@InvictaHistory]

oh interesting, never realized they were mentioned in the ACO game

[@CDang-ms6dc]

Around the Hippodrome near Alexandria, there are actually some interesting quests concerning this rivalry.

[@spazzen]

Is that timeline accurate? The green/blue rivalry was interesting already, but if the groups were around over that length of time its even more so. The idea that chariot teams lasted hundreds of years is insane.

[@davethompson3326]

They also functioned as political parties, so not so strange Membership influenced who you could get favours from, day to day protection in assorted ways, who to do business with, plus don't forget the hideously complicated world of Religion at that time Constantinople was probably the only city where you risked a vicious bar fight if you discussed the nature of the Trinity with strangers Businesses would display their affiliations

[@Telsion]

0:40 what are those arrow-like things on the inside of that guy's shield?

[@parasitolegendario]

Plumbatas, small darts that replaced the Pila as the main ranged weapon of legionaries by the 3rd-4th century. Not sure if Byzantines still used them at this point but they were indeed a thing.

[@Telsion]

REDOUT that's interesting. I had never heard of them before. Thanks!

[@elgostine]

i think they started to fall out of use by the 7th and 8th century, i know that by the 10th, they are nowhere to be seen.

[@paprskomet]

Combat darts did no really replace pilum since that was replaced by variaty of other ranged weapons like javelins next to these darts.Thew were still safely in use at late 6th early 7th century so they were definitely still in use at Justinianic armies.

[@zjackshot]

@@paprskomet I think he meant replaced as a legionarys ranged weapon as pila stopped being used and plumbatas started, plus javelins had always been used in Roman armies by velites in premarian armies and by auxiliaries post Marian.

[@anglosaxonculture2523]

Awesome channel. Keep it up!

[@sugarface88]

Great video My Dude!

[@Hammie_Hammie]

This is one of the greatest examples of "Y'all wildin"

[@dougfife7956]

Sounds like Minneapolis 2020

[@yuhyuh5674]

Is it possible you do Aurelian next? Also great video!

[@jimmythebuddhistbee8786]

I love these videos, they keep me from going crazy from college

[@Ben-zg5xb]

*NIKA!*

[@denizmetint.462]

*Nika!*

[@princesstinklepanties2720]

*blocks your path*

[@mizuha-chan4145]

Nii!

[@MagniGamer]

Another fantastic video....this channel is so much ahead of the game

[@marciano98]

Amazing episode man more like these please :)

[@LizardWizardoAo]

The quality on these videos are really nice

[@wilz9388]

theodora best girl

[@culiusjaesar]

*waifu

[@tesnacloud]

One must wonder if the massacre was justified. The city was obviously under a lot of pressure, as was the empire generally. But the way the populace expressed their discontent did little for their stability and wellbieng in the long term, even if they were successful. Put in Justinian's place, one must ask themselves what they would have done, and even remember that the morals of the time were not the same as our morals today. I think I might have actually done the same as Justinian, since alternative methods to end the riot had failed and the empire would otherwise descend to anarchy and civil war at a time when it couldn't afford either.

[@tesnacloud]

The democratic process didn't exist. What you suggest is to blindly apply democracy to every situation, when if democracy would have worked it would have sprung up long ago. A certain level of technology and/or the right societal structure is needed for a democracy. Why, after all, do democracies seem to fail in many parts of the world no matter how they are propped up? Why was democracy just a niche government type back then if it was so easy and awesome? The answer to that question is way too long to explain here, but there are many books examining that question. Just within this example, the mobs were already proclaiming a new emperor, who would have had his title challenged by other pretenders to the throne. Then you have a bloody civil war that costs way more than 30000 lives and invasions from foreign powers that were constantly circling like hungry sharks, creating even more death for the populace of the empire. Applying modern morals to historical problems does not work, since the society of the time will not react the same as a modern one.

[@tylerellis9097]

transylvanian, lol elect new government when Roman citizens hated the emperor they replaced him with a usually worst one Roman citizens were shit at good decisions.

[@tylerellis9097]

transylvanian, heck no a strong bureaucratic despotic monarchy saved Byzantium in the 600s when the people saw their emperor and city stay strong against nomads, Persians and muslims the peoples of the empire united, any thing but direct political control would have ment death for the empire and caused problems like Venice when it was allowed to go away, ok don't blame the system blame Justinian he was a glory driven fool who bankrupted the empire, caused further religious disunity and left a unmanageable empire to his successor. Plus the senate when given power screwed Byzantium over.

[@theehhhnd5708]

transylvanian they burnt down parts of the fucking city, they had it coming. Those people were spurred on by senators who didn't like justianian, yeah democratic process which involves scheming and corruption gj.

[@theehhhnd5708]

transylvanian they were going to literally replace justinian with an inexperienced relative of the previous emperor as another DESPOT over a low level execution. You would be an extremely weak leader to simply give up your position especially if you didn't do anything to deserve it.

[@Gracchi]

Great stuff, one historical monument you missed that was placed in the hippodrome, was the serpent column from Delphi dedicated after the Plataea war, part of it is still there today.

[@kobra9934]

I absolutely love the artwork/animation.

[@pandahugs2271]

Scary

[@e21big]

Believe me, you don't want to live through it.

[@rilijohnmichael]

The little details like cushions being rented out by vendors are so good.

[@goncaloferreira2009]

Good episode. Could you do a video on the battle of Karansebes. An army killing itself before facing the enemy is hilarious.

[@ppaaccoojrf]

I will never understand why Justinian and specially Theodora are seen with such a kind light nowadays. Theodora's "compassionate" speech is basically saying that she'd rather have the people massacred than give up her status. It's incredibly egotistical, yet people laud it as "empowering" and bend over backwards to discredit Procopius's Secret History by pointing out at the most ridiculous "supernatural" accounts written in it (despite the fact that anyone who has read it would realize that Procopius is _documenting what was said at the time about Justinian and Theodora,_ not presenting the "supernatural" occurrences as facts.)

[@Pottan23]

Who are you quoting? The video said "impassioned" not "compassionate" there's a big difference. Also; "basically saying that she'd rather have the people massacred than give up her status." Well, the people were rioting. If you expect emperors to step down because some peasant mob is burning a few buildings you win the same stupid prices as the ones in the hippodrome. And it is empowering considering she normally wouldn't even be allowed to speak and she just ups and rallies the upper elite around her not just this time but once again later on in history. You can't apply a modern moral compass on historical figures and judge whether or not they were good people.

[@tomfoolery8100]

we history from the perspective of the powerful, not the poor.

[@lovepeoplehu9883]

Theodora was a cunt

[@1223hammerhead]

Totally agree, the emperor made the correct decision and his wife played a huge part in it. The people, in this case, were not oppressed, they were drunken fools who didn't feel like paying the taxes that kept them safe in their homes. A leader can't just give into the mob, Justinian gave them what they wanted and they still rioted, ungrateful children is what they were

[@evanw2195]

Matthew RoosterDC drunken fools it’s funny when you people are all peasants yourselves

[@Ups_downs_life_funny]

And I wondered where Greece's football got it's quality from.

[@oliverwithers2288]

As a 2nd Year Classical Studies uni student studying roman and Byzantium history, this is super helpful. Big thanks, great video

[@BothHands1]

Damn, that was an awesome video, thank you

[@davidmcdonald9180]

I think HBO or Netflix should do a Justinian and Theodora mini-series.

[@temosofthecommunistrepubli2637]

Ph god they are gonna make a black Justinian.

[@kaioken6871]

Bring back The Roman Empire

[@theehhhnd5708]

Emperor Kaioken Philippines = The Roman Empire......

[@VasileIuga]

Romania has in part the language, the name, the corruption, the coat of arms, the traditional colors of the shields on the flag, the traditions and the religion of the empire, you can be the emperor. :)

[@grahamturner1290]

Excellent documentary, thanks!

[@elmogreen107]

Bravo! Great video.

[@jacobrowe3166]

So Chariot racing was essentially NASCAR, and the Mediterranean world was the American South?

[@gabriel300010]

Yeah kinda like that... but with hooligans...

[@YAH2121]

Not really a good comparison since there's not a lot of riots in the south in general and NASCAR fans arent particularly known for rioting or hooliganism. Thugh you're right that NASCAR is like Chariot racing in terms of function and spectacle. Better comparison would be drunken American Football riots after a win or Soccer riots in Europe and South America

[@YAH2121]

great minds think alike?

[@thewisp7447]

+YAH21 that's Gridiron Football, not American Football!

[@danzo6793]

Caramel Johnson o

[@budibausto]

There is a notorious prequel, the Pompeii riots in 59AD, where two factions came to blows and ravage the city for few days until the Romans settle the riots. And as usual, the Romans didn't take it lightly and banned the games for 10 years!! Just imagine if modern governments would take these measures these days after football riots! I'd love to see that as I despise football crowds.

[@alexandertaylor1225]

Great video, liked and subscribed, thank you.

[@TheKingtijger]

Epic video!!

[@tycoloser]

Nika riots happen all the time especially in Baltimore and Chicago

[@nacelnikprosiak1260]

*japanese voice* Nika nika niii nika nika niii nika nika nii

[@nathanpangilinan4397]

Ave Belisarius Plebbicus!

[@mizuha-chan4145]

What Justinian hears while everyone in the Hippodrome is screaming "Nika"

[@ISawABear]

Walking through the hippodrome years ago, this was much of what i could think of.

[@johnkelley9877]

Excellent tutorial!