Citing his background as a “fellow Arab” and his grievances against the court of Constantinople, Konon indicated a willingness to betray the Byzantines, and a bargain was soon struck: Maslama would allow Konon to reach Constantinople and militarily support him in a bid to become emperor; in return the Byzantine general would open the city’s gates to him. Maslama instantly dispatched emissaries to inform the people of Constantinople that the only way the Muslim army would “leave you, your country, your religion, and your churches in peace” is if they accepted his new vassal as “king.”
