During an uprising that centered in a sports arena, army commanders were sent in to stop the rebellion. While one general began killing the rebels from the inside, the other commander blocked the exits to those that tried to leave. Just prior to the decision, the leader was about to flee the country. However, an impassioned plea from his wife changed his mind.
How could this happen in the world today? Well, it didn't. It happened many centuries ago in the Western Roman Empire known to outsiders as the Byzantine Empire. The leader was Justinian, one of the most well-known and admired leaders of the entire reign of Byzantium which lasted until 1453. In 532, Justinian put down the "Nika Revolt" by sending in probably the best general the empire ever had, Belisarius. The slaughter lasted until more than 30,000 were killed. His wife, Theodora, instilled some sense of strength in her husband by saying the following to the Emperor and his advisers: "I do not care whether or not it is proper for a woman to give brave counsel to frightened men; but in moments of extreme dander, conscience is the only guide. Every man who is born into the light of day must sooner or later die; and how can an Emperor ever allow himself to become a fugitive? If you, my lord, wish to save your skin, you will have no difficulty in doing so. We are rich, there is the sea, there too are our ships. But consider first whether, when you reach safety, you will not regret that you did not choose death in preference. As for me, I stand by the ancient saying: royalty makes the best shroud".
History shows that the Empire and the entire world prospered and was a better place because of Justinian. Most of his accomplishments were done after the revolt was put down. Was it good that over 30,000 were killed? Certainly not. Was it justified? History proves the answer is probably yes.
So when is it okay to rebel against your government? Treason is defined by Webster as the offense of attempting by overt acts to overthrow the government of the state to which the offender owes allegiance or to kill or personally injure the sovereign or the sovereign's family. Most would say this is punishable by death. Should leaders in the 21st century use the death penalty on those who are treasonous? In many cases, the answer is yes. Chaos is not a better thing to even a corrupt leader. However, the difference between treason and a successful revolution is just that, success. Those that start down the road of rebellion must know the consequences of such a decision. Success or failure means the difference between life and death.
