In the year 602, the Byzantine Empire experienced a significant upheaval as the unpopular Emperor Maurice was overthrown by the usurper Phocas. Maurice had ruled since 582 and faced increasing challenges, including military failures and discontent among the troops. As the discontent grew, Phocas capitalized on the unrest and rallied support, ultimately leading a rebellion against Maurice's rule. The coup quickly devolved into a brutal spectacle of violence and power struggles. On this fateful day, after having deposed Maurice, Phocas subjected the former emperor to a devastating ordeal. In a calculated move to instill fear and demonstrate his absolute power, Phocas forced Maurice to witness the executions of his five sons. This scene was not only a personal tragedy for Maurice but also a brutal message to anyone who might oppose Phocas's claim to the throne. After witnessing the horrific execution of his children, Maurice was executed himself, sealing the fate of the monarchy and ensuring Phocas’s position as the new emperor of the Byzantine Empire. Phocas's reign would be marked by further violence and instability, contrasting sharply with Maurice's more stable government.