In 532, he was the highest-ranking military officer in the Imperial capital of Constantinople when the Nika riots broke out in the city (among factions of chariot racing fans) and nearly resulted in the overthrow of Justinian.
Pada 532, dia adalah perwira militer berpangkat tertinggi di ibukota Kekaisaran Konstantinopel saat kerusuhan Nika pecah di kota (di antara kelompok penggemar balap kereta) dan hampir mengakibatkan penggulingan Justinianus.