Pseudo-Maurice the Tactician (Ψευδο-Μαυρίκιος ὁ Τακτικός)

Life The author of the Strategikon is anonymous. Although traditionally ascribed to the Byzantine Emperor Maurice (r. 582–602 CE), modern scholarship rejects this attribution [1]. The writer was almost certainly a high-ranking military officer or official with direct experience in the late 6th-century Roman army, and the text reflects contemporary adaptations to warfare against the Avars and Persians [1][2].

Works The sole work is the Strategikon (Στρατηγικόν), a comprehensive military manual.

Significance The Strategikon is a paramount source for late antique and early Byzantine military theory. It systematically details the era’s army organization, cavalry tactics, siegecraft, and campaign conduct against foes like the Avars, Slavs, and Persians [1][2]. Moving beyond classical Roman tradition, it reflects a practical military revolution and became a foundational text for subsequent Byzantine warfare [1][2].

Sources 1. Encyclopædia Britannica: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Strategikon 2. World History Encyclopedia: https://www.worldhistory.org/Strategikon/