Phocas

**Phocas**
================

Phocas (in Greek: Φωκάς; in Latin: Flavius Phocas Augustus, 547 - 5 October 610) was the Byzantine Emperor between 602 and 610.

**Early Life and Reign**

Phocas was a simple centurion in the imperial army who took part in a military campaign in the Balkans in 602. He rose to power after a military coup in which his predecessor, Maurice (also known as Mauritius), was overthrown. Phocas was an old dictator, marking him as the first of the Christian emperors to hold this position.

**Reign and Challenges**

During most of his reign, Phocas dealt with various challenges, including:

* The breach of the frontiers of the Empire by the Avars and Slavs in the Balkans
* The uprisings and civil wars in Syria, the Land of Israel, and Egypt
* The Persian invasions in the East

In 607, Phocas signed a decree that recognized Judaism as a "tolerable religion" in the Empire. However, this move was met with resistance from some Jews, leading to a rebellion in Antioch.

**Downfall**

Phocas was eventually deposed by Heraclius, who would go on to become the next Byzantine Emperor.

**Legacy**

Phocas' reign marked the beginning of a new era for the Byzantine Empire, characterized by old dictators and military coups. His legacy is complex, with some viewing him as a ruthless tyrant and others seeing him as a necessary leader in times of turmoil.

**References**

*
*
*
*
*