Question

Which of the following reflects Theodora’s attitude about dealing with the Nika Riots?

Answer 1

The historian Procopius attributes this speech to Theodora. She supposedly said it to Justinian when he wanted to flee from the Nika Riots.

“Now 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).”
—History of the Wars, Procopius

Answer 2

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 3

That it was shameful for the emperor to flee the rioters. In Theodora's view, she would rather die wearing "the purple" than flee as a fugitive.

After that, Justinian's mind was made up and with two loyal generals (one of whom was the famous Belisarius), managed to rally soldiers together and march on the rioters who were gathered at the Hippodrome. There, they slew them all -- around 30,000 including a man they had crowned as their new "emperor" -- brutally ending the revolt and making an example for the rest of the empire to heed.

It taught lessons to both sides -- that Justinian could not simply raise taxes to unacceptable levels without concern for the people. And that the people could not simply remove an emperor.

Answer 4

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Answer 5

Anytime.

Answer 6

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