Phokas

Phokas Historical Figure Nationality: Byzantine Empire Year of Birth: 6th century Year of Death: 610 Cause of Death: Execution by decapitation Religion: Eastern Orthodox Occupation: Soldier Children: Domentzia Relatives: Priscus (son-in-law) Military Branch: Byzantine Army Political Office(s): Byzantine Emperor Consul of Rome Fictional Appearances: Justinian Set in OTL Type of Appearance: Posthumous reference Agent of Byzantium POD: c. 597 CE Appearance(s): "Departures"; "Unholy Trinity" Type of Appearance: Contemporary reference (D); Posthumous reference (UT) Date of Death: 610 Cause of Death: Execution by decapitation Political office: Roman Emperor

Flavius Phocas Augustus (also Phokas) (d. 610) reigned as Byzantine Emperor from 602–610, having usurped the throne from the Emperor Maurice. He was himself overthrown by Herakleios after losing a civil war.

Phokas in Justinian

In his memoir, Justinian II made several references to Phokas, and how Justinian's ancestor Herakleios had overthrown him. Justinian frequently vilified Phokas, at one point calling him "Phokas the monster".

Phokas in Agent of Byzantium

Phokas' bloody ascension created substantial chaos throughout the Roman Empire. It was during this time that the monks at Ir-Ruhaiyeh fled a possible Persian invasion and headed to Constantinople. Among them was Mouamet, who later became a Christian saint.

Centuries later, Phokas was still remembered as a "repulsive tyrant" who almost brought the empire to ruin.

See also

• References to Historical Figures in Turtledove's Work, for more minor references.
• Genesios, an Avtokrator of Videssos who is closely based on Phokas.

References

Royal offices (OTL)
Preceded by Maurice	Byzantine Emperor 602-610	Succeeded by Herakleios
Political offices (OTL)
Preceded by Office vacant; Last was Maurice in 583	Consul of the Roman Empire 603	Succeeded by Office vacant; Next were Herakleios the Elder and Herakleios in 608