Constantiolus Constantiolus ( ) was a general of the Byzantine Empire , active early in the reign of Justinian I ( r . 527 – 565 ) . He succeeded Justin in command of Moesia Secunda . A passage of Theophanes the Confessor incorrectly identifies him as " Constantinus " ( Constantine ) . Biography . Origins and early career : " dux " of Moesia . According to John Malalas and Theophanes the Confessor , Constantiolus was a son of Florentius . No details are given about him , though he could be identified with Florentius , Roman consul in 515 . Constantiolus is first mentioned as " " stratelates " of Moesia " in 528 , in succession to Justin , who had been killed in battle earlier that year . Justin and Baduarius , " dux " of Scythia Minor , had joined their forces in battle against a force of foreign invaders , who Malalas identifies as " Huns " , while Theophanes as Bulgars . It is likely that Constantiolus held the title of " dux Moesiae Secundae " and the rank of " magister militum " ( often rendered in Greek as " stratelates " ) . The newly appointed Constantiolus joined forces with Ascum and Godilas in facing the invaders , who were at the time active in Thrace . The Byzantine army managed to defeat one group of invaders in battle , but they were then ambushed and routed by a second group of Huns / Bulgars . Both Constantiolus and Ascum were captured by their enemies . The victors ransomed Constantiolus back to Justinian I in exchange for a large sum . Malalas reports a payment of 10 , 000 " solidi " , while Theophanes of 1 , 000 " solidi " . Imperial representative . Constantiolus resurfaces in 531 , after Belisarius ' defeat by the Sassanid Persians at the Battle of Callinicum ( 19 April 531 ) . Justinian sent Constantiolus to the eastern border , assigning him to investigate the circumstances of the defeat . Constantiolus traveled through Antioch and questioned various Byzantine commanders on the subject . Among them was the " magister officiorum " Hermogenes , who had served under Belisarius in the battle . Constantiolus returned to Constantinople with his findings . His report probably contributed to the end of Belisarius ' service as " magister militum per Orientem " and his replacement by Mundus . The Nika riots . Constantiolus next appears during the Nika riots in 532 , where he , along with Mundus and Basilides , served as envoys of Justinian to the rioting crowds . They partly attempted to calm the rioters and partly attempted to understand the causes of their wrath . Their report to the emperor placed the blame for the uprising on the unpopular financial ministers John the Cappadocian , Tribonian and Eudaemon , leading to their dismissal from office . As the riots did not subside , Justinian considered fleeing Constantinople , and Constantiolus and Mundus were assigned to guard the palace in his absence . Justinian was in despair , but his wife Theodora is said to have dissuaded him , saying , " Those who have worn the crown should never survive its loss . Never will I see the day when I am not saluted as empress . " Although an escape route across the sea lay open for the emperor , Theodora insisted that she would stay in the city , quoting an ancient saying , " Royalty is a fine burial shroud , " or perhaps , [ the royal color ] " Purple makes a fine winding sheet . " Constantiolus took part , with Belisarius and Mundus , in attacking the crowds within the Hippodrome of Constantinople . The event ended the Nika riots and also seems to be the last chronological mention of Constantiolus .