Maurice

Byzantine Emperor (539-602)

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Lived 539–602, aged 63Turkey

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Era
539–602
Aged 63

Summary

Updated 2026-06-08

Eastern Roman emperor who pushed the empire's borders farther than they'd been in two centuries, then lost everything — and his six sons — to a mutiny that tore the ancient world apart.

Biography

About

Maurice was a general before he was emperor, chosen as heir by Tiberius II in 582. He forced Persia to terms for the first time in nearly two centuries, ending the annual tribute of thousands of pounds of gold and expanding Roman control deep into the South Caucasus. By 599 he'd driven the Avars back across the Danube and crossed it himself — the first emperor to do so in over two hundred years. In the west he created two exarchates, semi-autonomous provinces ruled by viceroys, to counter the Lombards in Italy and secure North Africa. But the wars drained the treasury. His cost-cutting measure…

Voice

In their own words

Sourced, dated quotes from Maurice

Maurice

saidundated

Deception is often helpful in warfare.

— Bk. 8, 2: "Maxims", 6

Maurice

saidundated

Nature produces but few brave men, whereas care and training make efficient soldiers.

— Bk. 8, 2: "Maxims", 9

Maurice

saidundated

After gaining a victory the general who pursues the enemy with a scattered and disorganized army gives away his victory to the foe.

— Bk. 8, 2: "Maxims", 11

Maurice

saidundated

A prudent commander will not lead an allied force into his own country if it is larger than his own army.

— Bk. 8, 2: "Maxims", 16

Maurice

saidundated

The commander who relies on his own cavalry, especially the lancers, should seek out broad plains favorable to such troops and there force the battle.

— Bk. 8, 2: "Maxims", 20–21

via Wikiquote · CC BY-SA

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