Heraclius

Reign: 610 – 641
Life: 575–641

Heraclius immediately took charge of the Byzantine, Sasanian War of 602, 628 upon his accession, but his leadership initially did little to stem Persian ascendency in the war; after personally losing the Battle of Antioch (613), the Persians were able to take Syria and Egypt, reducing the Empire to Asia Minor. Heraclius, however, avoided total defeat and initiated reforms to rebuild and strengthen the military. Heraclius drove the Persians out of Asia Minor and pushed deep into their territory, defeating them in 627 at the Battle of Nineveh and devastating much of Mesopotamia. Emerging from the Arabian Peninsula, the Arabs quickly conquered the Sasanian Empire.

During Heraclius' reign, Charibert II ruled France, Empress Suiko ruled Japan, and Emperor Taizong of Tang ruled China.

Want to learn more? Further reading

Byzantium: The Surprising Life of a Medieval Empire by Judith Herrin

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The World During Their Reign

The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

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Byzantium: The Surprising Life of a Medieval Empire

Judith Herrin

Herrin on Heraclius and the transformation of the Roman East, Persians, Arabs, and a new world.

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