Editing Phocas (section)

===Downfall===
{{see also|Heraclian revolt}}
[[File:The deposition of Phocas 610 AD.jpg|thumb|The deposition of Phocas, 610 AD]]

Despite being appointed as ''Comes excubitorum'', Priscus was not loyal to Phocas, and in 608 he appealed to [[Heraclius the Elder]], the [[Exarch of Carthage]], to rebel against Phocas.{{Sfn|Parnell|2016|p=137}} Heraclius the Elder agreed, and began to prepare to invade, by cutting off the supply of grain to Constantinople and assembling a large army and navy. Heraclius the Elder launched his invasion in 609, with his nephew, [[Nicetas (cousin of Heraclius)|Nicetas]], marching troops overland to the capital, and his son, [[Heraclius]], leading a naval invasion of [[Thessalonica]], before marching to Constantinople. Heraclius arrived outside Constantinople on 3 October 610, and seized the city on 5 October. Heraclius was declared emperor on the same day, and swiftly had Phocas executed.<ref>''[[Chronicon Paschale]]'' [[iarchive:chronicon-p/page/150/mode/1up|610]]. Heraclius arrived on 3 October, "a Saturday" (correct). However, the chronicle later states that he entered the city on 6 October, "a Monday". The 5th is clearly intended.</ref>