Istanbul (formerly Constantinople).

Sports fans are passionate, but this energy can sometimes lead to conflict or even all-out violence. This happened on a truly horrific scale in Constantinople, on Tuesday, January 13th, 532 C.E.

The sport was Chariot Racing, and while the fans of the opposing Greens and Blues had clashed before, this revolt was different. After a botched public execution, the fans joined forces against the Emperor Justinian, and the city exploded into chaos.

Five days later, Constantinople would be a burning ruin, and ten percent of the population would be dead in the streets. The events of that day almost brought down the emperor - but what really lead to to riot, and how did a sports crowd almost destroy an Empire?

I'm Peter Laws. Join me and Medieval Historian Eleanour Janega as we explore The Deadliest Sports Event, Ever...

The Nika Riots.

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