The Imperial District in Constantinople (this map is of the city after 532 but it shows the placement of the major buildings accurately)
In January 532 a seemingly typical riot at the races escalates into a full blown rebellion against Justinian. Trapped up in the Palace while Constantinople burns, the Emperor must decide whether to flee or to fight.
Period: 532
Download: Episode 20 – The Nika Revolt
RSS Feed: The History of Byzantium
If you want to send in feedback to the podcast:
- Either comment on this post.
- Like the facebook page.
- Or leave a review on Itunes.
- Follow me on Twitter.
I’ve been dreading this episode. #notagooddayattheoffice
Reblogged this on http://www.seanmunger.com and commented:
This awesome podcast deals with the history of Byzantium, and this particular episode is one of the most dramatic events in that history: the Nika Revolt of 532 A.D. Highly recommended!
@ Tribonian – I almost made a joke when you commented the first time. That really made me smile.
@ sean – Thank you so much, I really appreciate the support and I’m glad you’re enjoying it. I really liked the sound of your book! Would you like to send me more information so I could plug it on the podcast?
So how much of the city was burned down? 30%? Because the long list of buildings sounds pretty serious. Must have cost a fortune to rebuild.
I don’t know how to calculate a % as such. But the central area from the Palace down to the Forum of Constantine and north toward the Acropolis was in ruins. It definitely would have cost a huge amount to rebuild. As you know though the Empire’s population was growing, the economy was doing fine and the new taxes and tightening up was bringing in a good amount of revenue. In that sense this happened at a time when the Empire could afford it.
Podcast kicks ass!! Was glad to find more about Byantium after the 12 Byzantine Rulers podcast. Looking forward to learning more about Bellisarius!!