prasinoi

The Prasinoi were a faction in the chariot racing teams of the Byzantine Empire, specifically Constantinople. These teams, known as *hilaria*, were not merely sporting clubs but also possessed significant social and political influence. The Prasinoi, whose colors were green, were one of the four main factions, alongside the Blues (Venetoi), the Reds (Rousioi), and the Whites (Leukoi).

The Prasinoi and their rival factions were deeply entrenched in the fabric of Byzantine society. Their support was sought by emperors and prominent figures, and their allegiances could shift political tides. While initially sporting groups, the factions evolved into powerful political blocs, often engaging in public demonstrations and sometimes even riots. The rivalry between the Prasinoi and the Blues, in particular, was notorious and famously erupted into the Nika riots of 532 AD, a major rebellion that nearly overthrew Emperor Justinian I. The specific origins of the Prasinoi as a distinct group are somewhat obscure, but they likely emerged from the popular enthusiasm for chariot racing that permeated the Roman and later Byzantine worlds. Their influence waned over time, particularly after the Nika riots, as emperors sought to curtail their power.