601 The Byzantine army defeats the Avars at Viminacium (Pannonia) and raids deep into the Tisza river plain. 602 The Byzantine army, after receiving orders to camp and winter there, living off the land, revolts under a junior officer, Phocas, marches on Constantinople (herself revolting under the tax burden) where emperor Maurice is slain together with his entire family, save for Belisarius II who goes on ruling from Rome; this marks the end of any Byzantine authority over the Sklavinian (*OTL Balcanic) hinterland. Fragmentation of the Western Gökturk empire, who splits in two parts, whereas the Khazars gain a wide autonomy. The Persians wrest Tylos/Bahrain and ancient Characene (Kuwait and southernmost Iraq) from the kingdom of Hirah.