The Nika Riots
In 532 AD, fans of two rival chariot racing teams in Constantinople — the Blues and the Greens — turned a sports rivalry into a political rebellion. Egged on by broader discontent, the mob started a riot that quickly spiraled into a city-wide war. Emperor Justinian nearly fled the city.
When the dust settled, over 30,000 people were dead. All because of a dispute that started in the hippodrome over horse races and team colors. Next time someone tells you sports fans are too intense, remember this ancient riot that nearly toppled an empire.
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