overthrowing of emperor Maurice in 602 AD

[eugene]

What were the reasons of military and civil riots which lead to the overthrowing of emperor Maurice in 602 AD?

[Robert Vermaat]

I think the reasons for the military were that he kept them in winter quarters on campaign instead of going back to barracks?

[John W Davison]

Specifically, that the troops were going to be spending the winter on the wrong side (i.e. the North, from the perspective of a 602 AD Roman soldier!) of the Danube, potentially fighting the Slavs & Avars.

[eugene]

I have heard that emperor Maurice was unpopular among certain sectors of society in Constantinople, not only in army. In what sectors and why was he unpopular?

[AMELIANVS]

Maurice was often on a thin ice with his soldiers.If I remember it correctly it wasn't for the first time he gave them order for camping in enemy territory.So the danubian army was on the brink of revolt for a long time before.In the east,they even already made one serious rebellion in the middle of war with persia but then eventually Emperor reconcile with them-for the time being.For both rebellions,reduction of food rations also played important role and Maurice who was trying save money(which he permanently lack)whenever he could,did this repeatedly.

[AMELIANVS]

And his unpopularity among certain sectors of society in Constantinople was partly caused by food riots becouse there were some relatively serious problems around that time with obtaining sufficient amount of food for the the capitol City.Emperor Maurice also had poor relations with green circus party(prasinoi)of hippodrome chariot races.They eventually opened city gates to mutinious northern army.