Shades of Blues and Greens in the Chronicle of John of Nikiou

Abstract

Through re-examining the Ethiopic text of John of Nikiou's Chronicle, this article restores to it several unrecognised references to the activities of the Blue circus faction in the turbulent period from the accession of Maurice to the Heraclian revolt. It explores the context within which each of these new references might be interpreted, arguing that the reign of Phocas witnessed a progressive and widespread alienation of the Greens from his regime, and a subsequent amplification of the factions' traditional political activities during the crisis set in motion through Heraclius's rebellion. The result was a distinct polarisation of the Greens and Blues around the rival emperors, a polarisation upon which the restored references shine important new light.