[3] In 663, Constans tried to have his sons join him in Sicily, but this provoked a popular uprising in Constantinople,[4] led by Theodore of Koloneia and Andrew,[5] and the brothers remained in the imperial capital.

[6] After ruling alongside Tiberius and Heraclius for thirteen years, Constantine attempted to demote his brothers from the imperial position, but this provoked a military revolt in the Anatolic Theme (in modern Turkey).

[7] The army marched to Chrysopolis, and sent a delegation across the straits of the Hellespont to Constantinople, demanding that the two brothers should remain co-emperors alongside Constantine IV.

Constantine gave Theodore the delicate task of praising the soldiers for their devotion and agreeing with their reasoning, with the objective of persuading them to return to their barracks in Anatolia.

[8] Happy with this apparently positive outcome, the army departed back to Anatolia, while the instigators of the movement entered the city.