Justinian I has sent his general Narses…

Justinian I has sent his general Narses to the rulers of the Heruli, to recruit troops for the campaigns in Italy and Syria.

According to Procopius, the Heruli are a polytheistic society known to practice human sacrifice.

He claims that the Heruli also practice a form of senicide, having a non-relative kill the sick and elderly and burning the remains on a wood pyre.

Following the death of their husband, Heruli women are expected to commit suicide by hanging.

With the ascent of Justinian, Procopius says that the Heruli within the empire converted to Christianity and "adopted a gentler manner of life."

Heruli carry no protective armor in battle save a shield and thick jacket.

Heruli slaves are known to have accompanied them into combat.

Slaves are forbidden from donning a shield until having proven themselves brave on the battlefield.