What if prince Theodosius survived?

In 602 emperor Maurice was deposed by the rebels led by Phokas and his family was executed after a failed attempt to escape. Later Cosroe II claimed that the roman prince Theodosius survived the massacre and this represented the official reason for his war against the empire. Probably this claim was false but here I have two question:

· What would happen if the real Theodosius managed to survive and the Persian successfully defeat the empire? Let’s assume that the conflict doesn’t last 26 years and escalate to the point where the only result is the total annihilation of the other, instead both sides prove competent and don’t totally collapse during/after the war. What would be the most likely peace treaty imposed by the persian?

· What would happen if Theodosius managed to hide and reappear only after the deposition of Phokas (let’s assume that all other events follow the same OTL path)? Is there a chance for him to be recognized emperor by Heraclius? Or maybe alongside Heraclius?
 
If the claim is pressed by the Persians, then the border is rearranged in their favor - Armenia becomes a Persian client and the line gets moved fairly close to the Mediterranean.

If Theodosius reappears after Phokas, Heraclius will be forced to dispose of him. Can't have two Emperors.
 
What has been said. If Theodosius actually survives and makes it to the Persian court, then it becomes a reversal of how Khosrow II lost his throne and regained it with Maurice's help, with Khosraw here standing in for Maurice.

In any case, a far shorter war leaves both empires much less weakened than the long and devastating war of OTL.
 
If the claim is pressed by the Persians, then the border is rearranged in their favor - Armenia becomes a Persian client and the line gets moved fairly close to the Mediterranean.
This is what I think would happen, a return to the situation before the rise of Maurice, but would the romans be forced to resume the tribute to Persia? Also would be interesting to see if the Romans with less resources (compared to the favourable situation Maurice enjoyed), but also a shorter war, would be able to save the Balkans and end the Slavic threat once and for all.
If Theodosius reappears after Phokas, Heraclius will be forced to dispose of him. Can't have two Emperors.
Wouldn’t it be possible to see two emperors, one facing the Persians and the other dealing with internal/western problems? Especially since this situation would strengthen Heraclius’ position while weakening the legitimacy of Cosroe’s war. After all the idea of two emperors ruling together was part of the Roman strategy to counter sudden internal and external threat.
In any case, a far shorter war leaves both empires much less weakened than the long and devastating war of OTL.
Assuming that this happens, how would the empire evolve during the VII century, especially its western territories?
 
Top