610 - 641

Co-emperors: Heraclius Constantine (613 - 641), Heraclonas (638 - 641)

In the Summer of 608, the Exarch of Carthage, Heraclius, fomented a rebellion against the revolting emperor Phocas. The rebellion grew, and in 610, Heraclius' son, (also  Heraclius) attacked Phocas at Constantinople, and was successful. Phocas was put to death and the young Heraclius was proclaimed emperor. The empire was in a deplorable state when Heraclius ascended the throne. Cautious and wise, the emperor bided his time, and strengthened those parts of the empire still within Byzantine control. Twelve years after his accession, a great hammer blow was dispatched from the empire, and huge tracts of land lost under Phocas were regained. The Sassanian empire was smashed, its emperor, Khusro II being murdered.

Heraclius was one of Byzantium's greatest emperors, but towards the end of his reign, the first great wave of Muslim advancement swallowed much of what he had regained in the east.