Maurice (emperor)

Maurice (539–602), born at Arabissus in Cappadocia, was Eastern Roman emperor from 582 and the last ruler of the Justinian dynasty. A successful general under Tiberius II, who made him his heir, he brought the long war with Sasanian Persia to a victorious close. By 599 he had driven the Avars back across the Danube.

He founded the Exarchates of Italy in 584 and Africa in 591. His unpopular financial measures alienated soldiers and civilians, and in 602 a mutiny led by Phocas overthrew him; Maurice and his six sons were executed. The military manual Strategikon is attributed to him.