Theodosius
Co-emperor of the East Roman (Byzantine) Empire
Years: 583 - 602
Theodosius (August 4, 583/585 – after November 27, 602) is the eldest son of Byzantine Emperor Maurice (r. 582–602) and is co-emperor from 590 until his deposition and execution during a military revolt in November 602.
Along with his father-in-law Germanus, he is briefly proposed as successor to Maurice by the troops, but the army eventually favors Phocas instead.
Sent in an abortive mission to secure aid from Sassanid Persia by his father, Theodosius is captured and executed by Phocas's supporters a few days after Maurice.
Nevertheless, rumors spread that he had survived the execution, and become popular to the extent that a man purported to be Theodosius is entertained by the Persians as a pretext for launching a war against Byzantium.
