A Study Of Maurice’ Frontier Policy In The Byzantine Empire

During the reign of Maurice,the Byzantine Empire was full of troubles that threatened national stability at home and abroad.In order to maintain the system,Maurice implemented a series of border defense policies aimed at consolidating the defense system of the empire.A series of troubles,including the financial crisis,the sharp decline in the number of troops,the barbarian invasion,and the disputes between old enemies,brought enormous pressure on the imperial rule from many aspects.The emperor urgently needs to resolve the contradiction between the empire’s urgent need for a strong military force and limited military power and frequent wars.Under such circumstances,solving the internal difficulties faced by Byzantium and the frontier crisis brought to the empire by Sasanian Persia and other barbarians became the main standpoint of Maurice’ frontier defense policy.Maurice’ frontier defense policy mainly included three directions: war policy,finance policy and administrative system.On the issue of war,Maurice chose to maintain the eastern and northern border security of the empire by both means of war and negotiation,which was a strategic policy implemented side by side with war and negotiation depending on time and situation.The basic situation of national combat readiness is its material basis,and the overall border defense situation of the country is the direction indicator that this policy can be applied flexibly.In the field of finance,Maurice tried to use financial means to deal with the impact of the financial crisis on the imperial frontier,which caused by the government’s inability to afford a large military budget.To ease the economic crisis,Maurice mainly through carry out reforms in military spending.This measure is the reflection of Maurice’s frontier defense policy on financial field,strengthening the financial foundation of the Empire.In terms of administrative system,Maurice maintained the political stability of the empire in Italy and Africa by setting up the viceroy,which was an innovation in administrative system and reflected the local governance characteristics of the integration of military and civil power,with a tendency to expand local power.However,Maurice’s policy failed to balance the interests of different groups within the empire at that time,and finally triggered an army rebellion that overthrew the emperor’s regime.In the long run,the measures of the Maurice’ frontier policy had an impact on the military strategy and local governance of the Byzantine Empire and provided a blueprint for future innovations.In short,Maurice’ frontier defense policy basically realized the political goal of consolidating frontier defense and maintaining the rule,which is of great significance and far-reaching influence.