Theodora during the Night of Rebellion (litho)

Theodora during the Night of Rebellion. In 532 the throne of Justinian was endangered by a revolt in Constantinople, known as the "Nika" sedition, from the war cry adopted by the insurgents. The rebels burnt almost half the city and besieged the Emperor and his guards in the palace. All the Emperor's councillors advised a withdrawal from the city, a course which would probably have led to his ultimate downfall, when the Empress sprang up to combat their advice, and induced them to make a last desperate sally, which was completely successful. Illustration for Hutchinson's History of the Nations (Hutchinson, c.1920). Note: Image has been digitally enhanced to facilitate repro.