In 603 the Roman Emperor Phokas restored Smaragdus to his former position as Exarch of Ravenna. Smaragdus inherited a war with the Lombards from his predecessor Callinicus, Agilulf entered Mantua on 13 September, and Vulturina surrendered about the same time, leaving much of northern Italy in Lombard hands. Smaragdus was forced to release his hostages in April 605 in order to gain peace. The peace with the Lombards held for the rest of his administration till he was replaced in 611 shortly after his benefactor's assassination by Heraclius...
WI Smaragdus rose in rebelion against Heraclius in 610 to revenge the murder of Phokas? Could the Empire handled another civil war with the Persians fooling around the Eastern borders?
How is that altering History? Any thoughts?