The Rise of Belisarius

Belisarius was one of the 4 main generals of the Empire, stationed in the East. As the Sassadins invade Armenia he wins a major victory against them at Dara, but then looses at Callinicum in 531. He looses his command and returns to Constantinople, as the emperor is forced to a disgraceful peace in the East.

But while in the capital, there is a big riot between 2 factions of chariot races and the crowd asks for Justinian’s head. It is Belisarius who marches the troops against the citizens, killing 1/3 of the city but securing the emperor’s trust.