The new Roman Capital almost from its inaugeration was wracked with religious disputes. The recurring theme was of members of the Church of Rome, or Orthodox Christians attacking other Christians.

The new Roman Capital almost from its inauguration was wracked with religious disputes. The recurring theme was of members of the Church of Rome, or Orthodox Christians attacking other Christians.

To pick out just a sample:-

On 4th november 512 the fateful phrase, ‘who was crucified for us’ once again echoed through the great basilica. On this occasion the violence was far worse; by the time order had been restored the floor was covered in the blood of the dead and wounded. A similar incident occured the next day at the church of St Theodore resulted in further casualties but on the 6th the orthodox mob was ready. At a huge rally in the Hippodrome they called death and dstruction on all heretics, then poured out into the city to make good their words. Imperial statues were hurled to the ground and smashed; among the many houses burned to the ground were those of the Pretorian Prefect and the Emperor’s nephew Pomeius.  The rioting continued for another full two days.

(from Byzantium, The Early Centuries by John Julius ( Lord )Norwich)