OR NOT SO SURPRISINGLY

Quote of the day: 'Mutilation and exile had obviously not improved Justinian's temper, but he acted more prudently after his restoration than might have been expected'.
Eighth century Byzantium: SURPRISINGLY RELEVANT TO AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER.
None of the fics below the cut are, though, alas. All gen, all written for 31_days.

( Nonetheless, after five rebellions, overthrowing empires had almost become a custom )