"Hierotheos" and "Bagoas" were false names used in later documents for two of the harshest enemies of the deposed patriarch Kosmas II. So far from pitying him, as most did, they were not satisfied by his deposition, but tried to ensure that the judgement could never be overturned. Hierotheos smeared holy icons with honey and denounced Kosmas for defacing them with dung. This crude plan was detected and he was imprisoned. Bagoas, who had improved his villainous reputation by a hypocritical pretence to be devout and association with holy men, tried without success to support Hierotheos' accusation. He was then able to ensure that his life in prison was comfortable and his release swift. This created a presumption that he shared Hierotheos' guilt