Magister militum
Phocas was unable to control either the state or the army effectively. Due to his distrust of the bulk of Constantinople's elite, with whom he had had no connection before becoming emperor, Phocas practised nepotism, frequently filling senior military positions with his relatives. He installed: his brother Domentziolus as "Magister officiorum" in 603; his nephew Domentziolus as "Magister militum per Orientem" in 604, giving him command over the eastern provinces; and his brother Comentiolus as "Magister militum per Orientem" around 610. All three remained loyal to Phocas until they were killed by Heraclius. Of the three known male blood-relatives of Phocas, all three were appointed to senior posts, two in military positions and one in an administrative position. Phocas also appointed Priscus, who was his son-in-law by way of his marriage to Phocas' daughter Domentzia, as "Comes excubitorum", the captain of the Excubitors, in 603.