Philippikos

   1) Emperor (q.v.) from 711-713; general under Justinian II (q.v.). When he usurped power, he executed not only Justinian II but also the emperor's son and advisors. In support of Monotheletism (q.v.) he deposed Patriarch Kyros and convened a council in 712 that condemned the Sixth Ecumenical Council (q.v.). It was his failure to stem the victories of Maslamah (q.v.) in the East and Tervel in Thrace (qq.v.) that led to his downfall. Soldiers from the theme of Opsikion (qq.v.) deposed and blinded him in 713.

   2) Magister militum (q.v.) of the East under Maurice (q.v.); he was also Maurice's son-in-law. His successes against the Persians from 584-587 failed to deliver a knockout punch so Maurice replaced him with Priskos (q.v.) in 587. Philippikos's soldiers mutinied in protest and he was reappointed in 589, only to lose his command to Komentiolos (q.v.) that same year. Phokas (q.v.) forcibly retired him to a monastery in 603. In 613, shortly before Philippikos's death, Herakleios (q.v.) recalled him to active service. The vagaries of Philippikos's career reflect the vagaries of warfare with Persia (q.v.) in this period.