eugyppius

After a further diplomatic faux pas involving his failed attempt to arrest the Pope at Rome (for reasons), and overmuch harsh fiscal policy, Justinian is facing a coup.

The time has now come to introduce you to the ancient world equivalent of football hooliganism. These are the demes. Think of them as hippodrome racing fan clubs with social and political influence.

It is my belief we can restore this world in which football clubs make and break emperors. I believe this.

In early Byzantium, the two rival clubs (or demes) are the Blues and the Greens. As soon as Justinian is deposed, the Blues rise up and install the genreal Leontius as emperor in his place.

Leontius rules for three years. Barely has he taken control than Carthage finally falls to the Arabs. Leontius tries to retake it in 697, and succeeds! But his forces are repulsed by the Arabs again in 698, and this time the loss is permanent.

It only deepens the political chaos of the eastern empire. The soldiers involved in the failed effort to retake Carthage mutiny. They declare their commander, Apsimar, emperor.

The fleet then sails back to Constantinople to oust Leontius and install Apsimar. (In the meantime, Apsimar has decided he would like to be called Tiberius, a name associated with the Heraclius dynasty.)