Gold solidus of the East Roman emperor Phocas (547-610 CE), minted at Carthage and dated to Year 10 of his reign = 606/7. Initially an army officer, Phocas led a mutiny, overthrew the reigning emperor Maurice, and established himself on the throne of Constantinople. His rule lasted until he was overthrown in turn and executed by Heraclius, son of the homonymous exarch of Africa.
Literary sources from the Heraclian dynasty portray Phocas as boorish, vindictive, and cruel, prone to use violence against his enemies. However, some revisionist historians prefer to see Phocas as a softer, gentler character, unfairly maligned by his successors. It remains to be seen whether this so-called "soft Phocas lens" will ultimately prevail.
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