Byzantine Emperor (c575 – 641)
Heraclius was Emperor of Byzantium from 510 until his death in 641. During his 30 year reign he dealt with multiple crises that had been plaguing the Byzantine Empire, most importantly the siege of Jerusalem by the Persians in 614, the massacre of Jerusalem and the transport of the Holy Cross to Persia, the economic crisis in 619 – 622, the invasion of the Slavs and the Avars in the Balkans, the conquest of the Holy Lands and the siege of Constantinople by the Muslims and their descent in Egypt and Mesopotamia.
When Heraclius ascended to throne, the Byzantine Empire was on the verge of total collapse. Lombards were roaming southern Italy, Avars had descended to Thessaloniki and the Persians had occupied the lands of Mesopotamia and were marching towards Syria and Antioch. Later they conquered Palestine, Jerusalem and the Holy Lands. Heraclius’ first actions were to wage war against the Persians and reclaim the Holy Lands. He began by building the defense of his empire, gave Serbia, Bosnia and Croatia to the Slavs and signed a peace treaty with the Avars. He organized the Byzantine army and campaigned against the Persians. He liberated Asia Minor, Pontus and Armenia from Persian rule after a series of victorious battles.
In 627 Heraclius began his fourth and last campaign against the Persian Empire. The decisive Battle of Nineveh (627) marked the victory of the Byzantine Empire over the Persians. Heraclius signed a peace treaty forcing the Persian Empire to retreat to its former borders, free its prisoners and give Heraclius the Holy Cross. When Heraclius returned to Constantinople he was hailed as Moses and was welcomed with the highest honours. The Holy Cross was transported back to the Holy Lands, which he had reclaimed. 14th of September, the day which the Holy Cross was raised is celebrated to this day by the Orthodox Church.
After his conquest, the Emperor militarized and organized the administration of Asia Minor. He implemented the theme system (θέματα), administrative, military regions which proved to be very effective, if not revolutionary for the Byzantine army and economy. Mercenaries were replaced with natives in the army and were given agricultural land. For the first time, Greek was established as the official language of the Byzantine Empire, replacing Latin. Over the years, this movement of Heraclius resulted in the Hellenization of the entire Byzantium and the spread of Greek literature and philosophy.
Heraclius was described as an influential leader who was loved by the people. Even though deeply religious, he was not possessed by religious fanaticism. He has been regarded as an inspiring strategist who waged war against his enemies in a less inhumane manner; he did not massacre, burn down cities or treat prisoners of war with cruelty. Unfortunately because of his failing health he did not have the strength to defend his empire during the final years of his life when the Muslims became the major enemy of the Byzantine Empire.
For his political and administrative reforms, the reorganization, strengthening and Hellenization of the Byzantine Empire together with the reconquest of the Holy Lands Heraclius ranks highly among the Byzantine Emperors by contemporary and modern scholars.
Bibliography
- ”Heraclius”. Helios New Encyclopaedic Dictionary. Passas, I. Athens, 1946. Print.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. ”Heraclius” Encyclopaedia Britannica. Web. 12 August. 2016.
