Which revolt in 532 nearly overthrew Emperor Justinian I?

The Nika riots were the 532 revolt in Constantinople that nearly overthrew Emperor Justinian I.

The uprising began during the chariot races at the Hippodrome, where the rival Blues and Greens temporarily united against Justinian. Their anger reflected more than sporting rivalry: opposition to taxation, resentment of imperial officials, and frustration with harsh policing all helped turn the disturbance into a political crisis. The chant “Nika,” meaning “Victory” or “Conquer,” gave the revolt its name.

For nearly a week, rioters attacked officials, burned large parts of Constantinople, and proclaimed Hypatius, a nephew of former Emperor Anastasius I, as a rival emperor. Justinian reportedly considered fleeing, but Empress Theodora urged him to remain in the capital.

Generals Belisarius and Mundus eventually trapped the rebels in the Hippodrome. The resulting massacre ended the revolt, with the historian Procopius reporting about 30,000 deaths, though the exact number is uncertain. The destruction also gave Justinian an opportunity to rebuild Constantinople, including the Hagia Sophia.