Heraclius

Timeline

1. c. 575–609Cappadocia · CappadociaHeraclius came from a noble Cappadocian family; his father Heraclius the Elder was exarch of Africa. He gained military and administrative experience in Africa before joining the plot to overthrow the tyrant Phocas, laying the groundwork for his later overseas expedition.
2. 610–622Constantinople · ConstantinopleIn 610 he led an army by sea from Africa, captured Constantinople, and executed Phocas, proclaiming himself emperor. After accession he married Constantina and set about reforming the finances and military in preparation for the long war against Persia.
3. 622–630Antioch–Jerusalem corridor · SyriaFrom 622 he personally campaigned against Sasanian Persia, fighting several battles until Persia sued for peace in 628. The empire recovered Syria, Palestine, and Egypt, and the True Cross was returned to Jerusalem in 630, marking the zenith of Heraclius's reign.
4. 634–641Constantinople · ConstantinopleArab forces rapidly seized Syria, Palestine, and Egypt after battles such as Yarmouk. In his later years Heraclius was confined to Asia Minor, and the empire permanently lost its eastern provinces. He died of illness in Constantinople in 641, and succession disputes briefly erupted among his sons and grandsons.