HERACLIUS with HERACLIUS CONSTANTINE and MARTINA.(610-641).Cyprus.Follis.

Obv : Martina, Heraclius and Heraclius Constantine standing facing, each holding globus cruciger.

Rev : Large M; A/N/N/O - X/Ч/III across field; monogram above, Γ below; KVΠ.
Sear 849.

Condition : Reddish-brown patina with some roughness.Good very fine.

Material : Copper.
Axis : 6h

Weight : 3.68 gr
Diameter : 26 mm

Heraclius, one of the most important Byzantine emperors, ruled from 610 to 641 AD, and his reign is remembered for significant military, religious, and administrative reforms. His family played a crucial role in his rule, and two figures often depicted alongside him are his son, Heraclius Constantine, and his second wife, Martina.

Heraclius came to power during a time of turmoil for the Byzantine Empire. The Persian Empire was advancing into Byzantine territory, and internal dissent had weakened the empire's ability to respond. Heraclius proved to be a capable military leader, eventually defeating the Persians and reclaiming lost lands, including Jerusalem, from which he famously returned the True Cross, a revered Christian relic.

One of the key relationships in his life was with his son, Heraclius Constantine, also known as Constantine III, who would go on to co-rule with his father in the later years of Heraclius’s reign. This practice of co-rulership was not uncommon in the Byzantine Empire, as it helped ensure a stable transition of power and allowed the heir to gain experience in governance. Heraclius Constantine was officially made co-emperor in 613 AD when he was still a child, a strategic move to solidify the dynasty and provide continuity for the empire.

Another important figure in Heraclius’s life was his second wife, Martina, who was also his niece. Marriages within the imperial family were often arranged to preserve dynastic power, but the marriage between Heraclius and Martina was controversial due to their close familial relationship. Nevertheless, Martina wielded considerable influence during Heraclius’s reign. She is depicted alongside Heraclius and Heraclius Constantine on coinage, a clear indication of her prominence in the imperial family. Martina’s political influence grew especially as Heraclius’s health began to decline in the final years of his rule.

The depiction of Heraclius, Heraclius Constantine, and Martina together on coinage is a notable example of Byzantine imperial iconography, used to emphasize the unity and legitimacy of the ruling family. These coins often portrayed Heraclius and Heraclius Constantine in military garb, reflecting the military challenges the empire faced during this period, particularly from the advancing forces of the Persians and, later, the Arabs. Martina was shown in a more modest, yet regal pose, signaling her role as empress.

Despite these displays of unity, Heraclius’s death in 641 AD led to significant political instability. Heraclius Constantine, who had been co-ruler for nearly three decades, ascended the throne, but his reign was brief due to his untimely death later that year. Martina, seeking to maintain power, attempted to elevate her own son, Heraklonas, as emperor, which led to internal conflict. Ultimately, Martina and Heraklonas were deposed, and Martina was exiled, marking a tumultuous end to her political career.

Heraclius’s legacy, however, remained significant. His military campaigns against the Persians and his role in restoring key Christian sites solidified his status as a capable and pious ruler. The depiction of him alongside his family, particularly on coinage, serves as a reminder of the Byzantine Empire’s efforts to project an image of strength, continuity, and divine favor, even in times of great challenge. This imagery sought to reassure the Byzantine populace that the imperial family was united and capable of leading the empire through difficult times, even as external and internal pressures mounted.

In summary, Heraclius’s reign is marked by both military triumphs and family intrigues. His son, Heraclius Constantine, and his wife, Martina, played crucial roles in the later years of his rule, and their depiction together on coins reflects the importance of familial legitimacy and continuity in Byzantine imperial ideology. Despite the challenges and controversies that followed Heraclius’s death, his legacy as a reformer and protector of the empire remains central to Byzantine history.