Stotzas (Greek: Στότζας), also Stutias, Theophanes writes him Tzotzas (Τζότζας),[1] was an East Roman (Byzantine) soldier and leader of a military rebellion in the Praetorian prefecture of Africa in the 530s.
In the Battle of Thacia in autumn of 545 AD, Stotzas would be mortally wounded by the Eastern Roman general John, dying shortly thereafter.
[3] The rebels chose Stotzas to lead them, and aimed to expel the imperial loyalists and establish Africa as a separate state, ruled by themselves.
Germanus's policy to win over the disaffected troops with promises of pardon and the payment of their arrears was successful, and a large part of the rebels went over to him.
[4][5] Stotzas was able to flee with a handful of followers to Mauretania, where he was welcomed, given the daughter of a local prince in marriage, and allegedly raised to king in 541.