Alexander

Alexander (; died 602) was a Byzantine rebel against emperor Maurice (r. 582–602) and leading supporter of emperor Phocas (r. 602–610). He is better known for executing the co-emperor Theodosius. The main source about him is Theophylact Simocatta.

Biography

Alexander is first mentioned in a fragment of John of Antioch. The fragment has Alexander and Lilius being sent as envoys to emperor Maurice (r. 582–602) in Constantinople. They were apparently representatives of Phocas and the "rebellious army of Thrace", making them rebels themselves.

According to the chronicle of Theophanes the Confessor, Leontia was officially crowned an Augusta on 27 November. According to the history of Theophylact Simocatta, the new imperial couple led a procession through the city as per custom. The festive occasion was marked with renewed conflicts between the Blues and Greens, the two major chariot racing clubs. The Blues thus questioned the legitimacy of the new Emperor. Phocas reacted by ordering the execution of Maurice and his sons, which took place before the end of the day. Contemporary rumours reported that Alexander had been bribed by Germanus, father-in-law of Theodosius, to spare the life of the young man. While Theophylact denied any truth to this rumour, Phocas apparently did not. He had Alexander executed. It is probable that John accidentally identified Alexander with Germanus. The details seem to match Germanus better than Alexander.