The pope’s supporters in Rome rise up, and Rofred and Stephen are killed by John Crescentius, the pope’s nephew.

Pope John leaves Capua, and crosses into Sabina, where he is met by his brother-in-law, Benedict, who also offers John his support.

With Rome effectively back in his hands, John returns and is welcomed back into the city on November 14, 966.

Although he is initially lenient towards the rebels, the arrival of Otto sees a change in approach.

The emperor banishes to Germany the two men appointed consul; the twelve principal militia leaders (the Decarcones, one appointed to each of the city’s twelve regions) are hanged.

Other plotters are either executed or blinded.

The Prefect of the City, Peter, is handed over to John, who orders him to be hung by his hair from the Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius, after which he is taken down, placed naked and backwards on an ass.

A bag of feathers is placed upon his head and two more at his thighs.

With a bell fastened round its neck, Peter is driven through the city, and after being thus exposed to the ridicule of the people, Peter is cast into a dungeon before finally being sent by the emperor into Germany.

In gratitude for the emperor’s intervention, John lauds him by declaring him to be the liberator and restorer of the Church, the illustrious guest, and three times blessed emperor.