Africa had enjoyed peace and prosperity for a few years, until the arrival of the great plague in about 542, during which the people of the province had suffered greatly.

At the same time, the arrogant behavior of some Roman governors had alienated the Mauri leaders, such as Antalas at Byzacena, and provoked them to rise up and raid Roman territory.

The renegade soldier Stotzas had been welcomed by the Mauri, given the daughter of a local prince in marriage, and allegedly raised to king in 541.

In 544, however, he and Antalas rebel against Constantinople’s rule.

So it is that during a battle with the Mauri at Cillium in Byzacena in 544, the Romans are defeated and Solomon himself killed.

Solomon is succeeded by his nephew, Sergius, who as dux of Tripolitania had been largely responsible for the Moorish uprising.

Sergius is both unpopular and of limited abilities, while the Mauri gather together under the leadership of Antalas.