Question

The historian Procopius attributes this speech to Theodora. She supposedly said it to Justinian when he wanted to flee from the Nika Riots. ìNow if you wish to save yourself, O Emperor, this is not hard. For we have much money; there is the sea, here are the boats. But think whether after you have been saved you may not come to feel that you would have preferred to die. As for me, I like a certain old proverb that says: royalty is a good shroud (burial garment).î óHistory of the Wars, Procopius

Which of the following reflects Theodoraís attitude about dealing with the Nika Riots?

Choices:

It is too dangerous to flee the rioters.

It is shameful for an emperor to flee the rioters.

It is politically savvy to flee the rioters.

It is honorable for an emperor to flee the rioters.

Answer 1

i think It is politically savvy to flee the rioters.

Answer 2

Thanks:) @Nurali

Answer 3

Anytime.

Answer 4

Actually, I think that the second answer is right, that it would be shameful to flee the rioters.

The main reason why is in two parts -- that Theodora spoke how royalty would make a worthy shroud implying that she would rather stay an empress than run away in exile. She was essentially saying "go ahead, there are a lot of ways to flee the city...but death as royalty isn't so bad a thing."

And two, that Justinian actually decided to stay after all, eventually rallying his generals together and brutally crushing the riots. And when I say brutally crushing the rioters, he essentially sent in the army to wipe out around thirty thousand or so rebels after trapping in the capital.

Answer 5

Thanks guys :)