Justinian then targeted his former place of exile in the Crimea.
There his brother-in-law, the Khagan, had infringed on Imperial territory by establishing a Khazar governor of his own to run Cherson.
Upon arriving there, the expedition set about doing its work — countless citizens were drowned (apparently with weights attached) and seven were roasted alive.
The Tudun, the governor appointed by the Khagan was sent to Constantinople with 30 others.
However, a storm destroyed his army and his fleet when he ordered it to return.
Justinian is said to have greeted the news with great laughter.
Another fleet was sent but the arrival of the Khagan's army made Justinian reconsider his move to a more diplomatic one.
He decided to send the Tudun back to the Khagan with his apologies and had George of Syria to present the Imperial apology.
The citizens of Cherson were naturally in no mood to hear any apology after what Justinian had done.
When the Tudun died along the way, the Khazars took it upon themselves to send his 300-strong escort to the afterlife with him.
Justinian then targeted his former place of exile in the Crimea. There his brother-in-law, the Khagan, had infringed on Imperial territory by establishing a Khazar governor of his own to run Cherson. Upon arriving there, the expedition set about doing its work — countless citizens were drowned (apparently with weights attached) and seven were roasted alive. The Tudun, the governor appointed by the Khagan was sent to Constantinople with 30 others. However, a storm destroyed his army and his fleet when he ordered it to return. Justinian is said to have greeted the news with great laughter. Another fleet was sent but the arrival of the Khagan's army made Justinian reconsider his move to a more diplomatic one. He decided to send the Tudun back to the Khagan with his apologies and had George of Syria to present the Imperial apology. The citizens of Cherson were naturally in no mood to hear any apology after what Justinian had done. When the Tudun died along the way, the Khazars took it upon themselves to send his 300-strong escort to the afterlife with him.
Byzantine Empire under the Heraclian dynasty