A 55-year-old non-commissioned officer placed on the throne by a mutinous army, Brownworth describes him as having been 'somewhat kindly described as a sadistic monster.' His insecurity on the throne led to a bloody reign of paranoid executions, military disasters against Persia, and the introduction of mutilation and torture into Byzantine practice. He lasted eight years before being seized by a mob and brought to Heraclius' ship.
Also known as: Focas
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Episode 10 (56 mentions)
A 55-year-old non-commissioned officer placed on the throne by a mutinous army, Brownworth describes him as having been 'somewhat kindly described as a sadistic monster.' His insecurity on the throne led to a bloody reign of paranoid executions, military disasters against Persia, and the introduction of mutilation and torture into Byzantine practice. He lasted eight years before being seized by a mob and brought to Heraclius' ship.
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