### q12 riots can arise out of nowhere > In an era when protest movements can seem to develop rather suddenly, it is worth considering what lessons may be drawn from the remarkable events of Constantinople in 532. One that may frighten leaders in any age is the incredible momentum the riots developed. Given that there was no major existential threat to the Byzantine Empire at the time, it is difficult to ground the violence in a particular historical context. The spectacular failure of Justinian to get a grip on events is a lesson to heed in any crisis situation. Being ahead of events and making firm and clearly communicated decisions are all key. Indecision in the hope that things blow over does not help. Are you really gonna extrapolate all that from ONE incident? That's just bad methodology I'm so appalled. What if counterexamples exist where you can just ignore something and it goes away and does blow over??!?! - [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01fjaeh5ctxdzm7vdevjxsscwk) - [[Chariot-Racing Hooliganism The Nika Riots of Constantinople by Antigone#q12 riots can arise out of nowhere|View in Vault]]