Phocas
Phocas was the Byzantine emperor from 602 to 610, a low-ranking military officer whose usurpation of power and reign of brutal repression are universally described as a catastrophe for the empire. He came to power after leading the military mutiny that overthrew and killed Maurice. Lacking the education, administrative training, or aristocratic connections to govern effectively, he resorted to violence and terror to maintain his position. His reign coincided with a devastating Persian offensive under Khusrow II. The Persian advance was relentless, overrunning Byzantine Mesopotamia and invading Syria. When Heraclius, the son of the Exarch of Carthage, landed near Constantinople in 610, Phocas's supporters immediately abandoned him. He was captured, mutilated, and executed. His removal was greeted with universal relief.
- Lived: 547 CE – 610 CE
- Nationality: byzantine
- Roles: emperor, head_of_state, military_leader
