| Ablabius | |
|---|---|
| Died | Unknown, likely after November, 562 |
| Allegiance | Marcellus |
| Motive | money |
| Occupation | assassin |
Ablabius (Greek: Αβλάβιος) was a Byzantine would-be assassin, known for a failed attempt to kill Justinian I (r. 527–565) in 562. The main sources about him are John Malalas and Theophanes the Confessor.[1][2]
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Ablabius was a son of Meltiades. His father is otherwise unknown. Ablabius' exact status in society is unknown. The primary texts mention him as "ο Μελιστής" (the Melistes). There are two meanings of this Greek word. One is a term for a musician, related to the term melody ("singing, chanting"). A comment of Theophanes implies that Ablabius was a member of an entire faction of such people. Alan Cameron suggests that this was a circus faction, affiliated to the Blues and Greens of the Hippodrome of Constantinople. The second meaning is "monetarius" ("mint master", moneyer/münzmeister). Thus, an official of the imperial mint. This term derives from μελίζει (melizei, "to cut"). Anastasius Bibliothecarius, who translated the chronicle of Theophanes to Latin, understood the term to have this meaning. Charles du Fresne, sieur du Cange, an ifluential 17th-century historian, considered this the most likely meaning.[1]
Ablabius was reportedly recruited by Marcellus in a plot to assassinate Justinian I.[1] The conspirators were apparently "important men in the business world" of Constantinople. Marcellus was an "argyroprates". The latter term indicates the man was either a silversmith ("argyros" is Greek for "silver"), goldsmith or a banker. Another conspirator was Sergius, nephew of Aetherius. His uncle was curator of one of the imperial palaces, though better known for his part in a conspiracy against Justin II (r. 565-578).[2] Ablabius received fifty pounds of gold for his role in the plot.[1][2]
The plot called for Ablabius to approach Justinian within the imperial triclinium (dining room). While Ablabius seems to have access to the room, he was unable to approach the "sacred presence" of the emperor without permission. He thus had to arrange matters with a palatine official.[2] He entrusted his secret to Eusebius and John. This led to the discovery of the plot by the authorities.[1] His requests aroused suspicions and were investigated.[2] On 25 November, 562, Ablabius attempted to enter the palace of Justinian. He was armed with a dagger. He was immediately arrested. His further fate is not recorded.[1]
His fellow conspirators did not fare better. Marcellus committed suicide instead of being caught. Sergius sought sanctuary within the Church of St. Mary of Blachernae. Shortly after, the reconstruction of Hagia Sophia was completed. Paul the Silentiary composed a long epic poem (still extant), known as Ekphrasis, for the rededication of the basilica. Paul mentions the conspiracy, clarifying that the conspirators were within the palace and about to attack when caught. He claims that God granted this victory to Justinian.[2] Peter N. Bell notes that "Paul devotes some 30 lines (25-55) near the start of his poem" to the plot of Ablabius and other 21 lines (937-958) to further conspiracies of the time. Paul emphasizes that God takes care of the personal safety of the emperor. He portrays both Justinian and his deceased wife Theodora as intercessors of humankind in its relation with God.[3]
The motives of the conspirators are not addressed in primary sources. James Evans suggests they could be traced to the grievances of the business world with Justinian. The Lazic War against the Sassanid Empire had recently ended. The peace terms required the Byzantines to pay an annual sum of 30,000 solidi to the Sassanids. "However the first seven years were to be paid in advance". An estimated 2,900 gold pounds had to be delivered at once. Justinian I required the businessmen to deliver said money to the state in a form of forced loan. The treasury was reportedly crushed by debts and was still empty when Justin II (r. 565-578) rose to the throne.[2]
Instead of reducing further expenses, Justinian had increased the pressure on the businessmen. In the summer of 562, Money-changers, silver merchants and jewel merchants found themselves required to put up "a costly display of lights" for the consecration of a new church dedicated to Theodora the martyr. Which might have led directly to the assassination plot.[2] On the other hand, Peter N. Bell connects the murder plot with the lack of popular support for Justinian in the final years of his reign. He points that Agathias, Menander Protector and Flavius Cresconius Corippus all paint "unflattering" and "gloomy" portrayals of the state of the Byzantine Empire during this period. Corripus even claims: "the old man [Justinian] no longer cared; he was altogether cold ...many things were too much neglected while [he] was alive". Corripus was making a comparison between Justinian I and Justin II, which might explain his negative view on Justinian. But said views are consistent with those of the other authors.[3]
Sergius was eventually dragged away from his sanctuary and interrogated under torture. His confessions implicated two more silversmiths and a curator in the service of Belisarius. Belisarius himself came under suspicion and was arrested. He was placed on trial by Procopius, urban prefect of Constantinople. Uncertain if this was the same person as Procopius of Caesarea, the noted historian.[2]
Belisarius was placed under house arrest, while all his attendants were dismissed from service. Six months later, Belisarius was pardoned by Justinian I. Belisarius and Justinian died within a few weeks of one another in November of 565.[2]