A first century Byzantine historian offers portraits of the emperor Justinian, the empress Theodora, and Belisarius, a brilliant general and describes the injustices of Justinian's reign

Led by the mighty Titus, the Roman army besieges Jerusalem. Arrows rain over the city day and night, and battering rams assault its defensive walls. After days of rebellion, at last their city falls. The citizens plead for mercy, but as the Romans march on the Temple of Masada, flaming torches blaze above their heads.