Editing Narses (section)

== Nika riots ==

Narses played a crucial role in suppressing the [[Nika riots]] of 532, the largest uprising in the history of Byzantium and Constantinople. The revolt began during chariot races at the [[Hippodrome of Constantinople|Imperial Hippodrome]], when longstanding tensions erupted into mass protests. Initially, the rebels demanded the abdication of Emperor Justinian I, and the disorder escalated into widespread violence that left much of the city in ruins. Facing the threat of losing his throne, Justinian considered fleeing, but Empress [[Theodora (6th century)|Theodora]] persuaded him to stay and resist.

Narses was entrusted with a large sum of gold and instructed to infiltrate the [[Demes of the Byzantine Empire|Blue faction]]’s camp. Unarmed and accompanied by only a few attendants, he approached the Blues’ section of the Hippodrome and, risking his life, skillfully distributed bribes. Narses convinced many influential senators and Blue leaders that supporting [[Hypatius (consul 500)|Hypatius]], who had been declared emperor by the rebels, was not in their best interest.<ref>Fauber, p. 39–40.</ref> Following this intervention, the senators and many Blues, chanting “Justiniane Auguste, tu vincas!” (“Justinian Augustus, may you triumph!”), abandoned the rebellion, significantly weakening its leadership.

Shortly afterward, a detachment of the Armenian corps led by [[John the Armenian]] entered the city, soon joined by [[Heruli]]an infantry. Justinian then ordered a decisive assault on the remaining rebels. Generals [[Belisarius]], John the Armenian, and [[Mund (Byzantine general)|Mund]], with their loyal troops, stormed the Hippodrome and carried out a brutal massacre, while Narses and his detachment surrounded the Hippodrome, preventing escape. Contemporary sources report that around 35,000 people were killed in the Hippodrome and its surroundings.<ref>Theophanes AM 6024</ref>

The crushing of the Nika revolt marked a turning point, solidifying the inner circle of Justinian and Theodora, with Narses becoming a key figure. In gratitude for his loyalty and service, Justinian promoted him to the senatorial rank of [[vir illustris]], and in 538, Narses was appointed ''praepositus sacri cubiculi'', effectively serving as the emperor’s chief chamberlain and close advisor. This position made Narses one of the most influential and trusted individuals in the Byzantine Empire.