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 Church 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

Phokas (Φωκάς, sometimes transliterated Phocas or Focas, 547 – 5 October 610) was Byzantine emperor from 602 to 610. Initially a middle-ranking officer in the Eastern Roman army, Phocas rose to prominence as a spokesman for dissatisfied soldiers in their disputes with the court of the Emperor Maurice. When the army revolted in 602, Phokas emerged as the natural leader of the mutiny. The revolt proved to be successful and led to the capture of Constantinople and the overthrow of Maurice on 23 November 602 with Phokas declaring himself emperor on the same day.

However, Phokas proved inadequate to address the many issues, both domestic and foreign, that arose during his reign. In 608, Heraclius the Elder rebelled against Phokas and gained wide support throughout the empire. Heraclius the Elder's son, Herakleios, took Constantinople on 5 October 610, executed Phokas the same day, and declared himself emperor.

Surviving sources are universally extremely hostile to Phokas. The veracity of these sources is difficult to ascertain since emperors of the Heraclian dynasty who succeeded Phokas had a vested interest in tarnishing his reputation.

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	Eastern Roman 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