Justinian I reigned as emperor of the Byzantine Empire from 527 to 565 CE. During his reign, he survived a riot, built a hippodrome, and also build the Basilica Cistern. He is known as a great emperor in spite of his challenges. Justinian, who’s original name was Petrus Sabbatius, was born to a poor family. As a child he tended to his family’s flock of sheep. He didn’t think he would exceed in life as a sheppard. He walked all the way to Constantinople and live with his uncle. His uncle was the leader of the emperor’s bodyguard. His uncle gave Peter a good education. When the emperor died, his uncle became the emperor. When his uncle grew old, Peter helped him rule the empire as co-emperor. When his uncle died, he became sole emperor and went by the name Justinian and later became known as Justinian the Great.
Shortly after he became emperor, riots started breaking out in Constantinople. They were called the Nika Riots. These riots were the worst riots in the history of Constantinople. They burned half of the city and killed 30,000 people. The people starting the riot did not like Justinian, because he didn’t agree with the powerful people, he didn’t support the nobility, and didn’t like the raise in taxes. They thought that he wasn’t fit to be emperor. Justinian wanted to escape the city but his wife persuaded him to stay and define his throne. Justinian paid the important people who were loyal to him then used his army to kill all riot participants until it ended.
During his reign, he built two important structures; the Basilica Cistern and the Hippodrome. The Basilica Cistern was built in case of a drought. It was full of water that would supply the city with the hydration. The Cistern is still functioning to this day. The Hippodrome was a giant stadium that held chariot races and other sporting events. Sadly, it is not around today, but an exact replica has been built.
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