The event excited no less astonishment than horror, contrasting as it did with Totila's humanity throughout the war.

Some offered as explanation the fact that many Goths lived at Tibur, whose indifference or hostility had angered the king; others surmised that this was Totila's warning after the failure of his proclamation to the Romans.

Whatever the meaning of such unwonted severity, its effect upon the Romans was unfavourable to the Gothic cause.

Just about this time there happened to arrive two captains, sent by Belisarius with a small troop for the reinforcement of Bessas.

The addition to the strength of the garrison was inconsiderable, but it served to put the city in heart once more.