Sanctuary in Ilagia Sophia

They took sanctuary in Ilagia Sophia. An attempt to arrest them by force in the church was defeated. A band of Italian gladiators and of Georgians defended them, and they were protected by the patriarch, and had the support of a large portion of the inhabitants, who were indignant at the treatment of the late emperor’s sister and at the arrogance of the protosebastos. The mob, led by the priests, paraded the streets, declaring for the emperor and against the empress and her lover, and pillaging the houses of the partisans of the latter. Meantime the emperor and the protosebastos determined to tear Maria out of Ilagia Sophia.

An army was collected in the grand palace of Bucoleon, which adjoined the Great Church, and a point of attack was chosen. Maria Porphyrogcnita was, on her side, no less active. By her advice a house was pulled down in order to give an advantage to her defenders, and a strong barrier for defence was hastily constructed. At the third hour of the day the attack commenced. A great number of the soldiers of Maria were wounded. The people outside had flocked to her assistance.

New troops

New troops, however, came up and took possession of the streets leading to the cathedral. The fight continued to rage in and about it all the day, but at sunset the discipline of the soldiers had gained an advantage for the protosebastos. The troops of Maria quitted the Augus- teon and the other buildings where they had fortified themselves, and took possession of the porch of Ilagia Sophia, over which stood the famous figure of Michael the Archangel. There they were safe, for the access to the building was up narrow streets, in which the emperor’s troops fought at a great disadvantage.

At this moment the patriarch, holding the Gospels in his hands, descended and came between the combatants. The cfesar, on behalf of himself, his wife, and their following, claimed asylum, and declared that all that he and they were doing was in defence of the church. The patriarch undertook to negotiate with the protosebastos, and warned him of the dangers of violating sanctuary. Several persons were named to arrange terms, and it was agreed next day that Maria Porphyrogenita, her husband, and her followers should lay down their arms and an amnesty be granted.