Heraclius
At a glance:
- Series: Dictionary of World Biography: Middle Ages
- Categories: Government and Politics, Military History
- Subcategories: Empires, Dynasties, Invasions, Raids, Conquests, Sieges, Emperors, Caesars, Khans, Byzantine Empire
- Curriculum: Medieval History/Middle Ages, Eastern European History, Middle Eastern History
Article abstract: Seizing the East Roman (Byzantine) Imperial throne amid seemingly fatal crises, Heraclius turned back the onslaughts of the Persians and Avars, only to see his work largely undone by the Arab conquests. Nevertheless, he and his successors initiated institutional reorganization that would save and revitalize the empire.
Early Life
Heraclius came from a wealthy and distinguished Cappadocian family in central Asia Minor, possibly (though not incontrovertibly) of Armenian descent. His father, an able general of the same name, was rewarded...
[The entire page is 2556 words long]
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