Peter (curopalates)

Petrus (Greek: Πέτρος, Petros, also known as Peter in English (c. 545 in Arabissus, Cappadocia – 27 November 602 in Constantinople or Chalcedon) was a brother of the Byzantine Emperor Maurice (r. 582 - 602).

Though less able than Priscus, he succeeded the latter as leader of the Roman forces in Moesia in 594, being more loyal to the emperor, his own brother.

The reason for this replacement was Priscus' refusal to obey the emperor's orders to spend the winter on the northern Danube bank in 593 and to carry on fighting the Slavs.

Later on, he crossed the Danube and fought his way to the Helibacia river, defeating numerous Slavic tribes in the course.

Although Petrus attempted to calm down his troops in vain, they marched to Constantinople and overthrew Maurice.