The Pentarchy of Maurice:A spin off of the Resurrection of the Western Empire
This TL is based off of the
Ressurection of the Western Empire, however instead of Theodosius III becoming Sole Emperor in the East, and Tiberius III becoming Sole Emperor in the West, the Empire will be divided between all of Maurice's Sons. Some believe this was Maurice's plan, but a greater majority believe the Empire would just be split in Two. Nevertheless, I find the idea of 5 Empire facisnating, and think it would make for a Very good TL.
The Death of an Emperor
In the Summer of 597 A.D. the Great Emperor Maurice fell ill. He was heading on his way to the Danube Frontier to confront Avar Raiders, who had recently crossed into Roman Lands. Along the way his army made camp along the Morava River. The Water was warm and full of bugs and parisites. Maurice contracted a diease from this Water and the campaign was put to a halt. On his deathbed, Maurice willed for his son Theodosius to become emperor in Greece, Macedonia, Pannonia, and Thrace to Rule from Constantinople. He then stated he wished his second son Tiberius, to become emperor of the Exarchate of Ravenna and to Rule from Rome. His Third Son Paulus, would Rule Asia Minor, and the Levant. His Fourth Son, Justin would Rule Egypt from Alexandria. His fifth son, Justinian, would Rule Africa from Carthage. After a Priest preformed last rites on Maurice, he passed away on the night of July 17, 597. The soldiers hailed the five sons as Emperors Theodosius III and Tiberius III, Paulus I, Justin III, and Justinian II. Theodosius III continued with his Army to quell the Avar Raiders, each of the Other Emperors, toke 5,000 Men to help install themselves as Emperors in thier Respective Areas. Tiberius III and Justinian II, who was in the guardianship of Tiberius, headed to Dyrrachium where they could sail to thier Respective Capitals. Paulus I and Justin III headed to Constantinople, where the were Ferried to Chalcedon, and could continue the March to thier Capitals.
This is assumed site of Maurices' Army camp.