Heraclius AD 610-641. Constantinople
Follis or 40 Nummi Æ

33 mm, 11,60 g

D N hERACLI PERP AVG, helmeted, draped and cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger and shield / Large M, cross above; A/N/N/O - II(date) across field; Γ below; CON in exergue.

Very Fine

Sear 804.

Heraclius, born in 575 AD, was a significant Byzantine emperor who reigned from 610 to 641 AD. His ascension to the throne came after a period of upheaval, including the overthrow of the previous emperor, Phocas. He inherited an empire facing numerous challenges, both internally and externally. One of the most defining aspects of his rule was the prolonged conflict with the Persian Empire, known as the Byzantine-Sassanid Wars. These wars lasted for over two decades, culminating in Heraclius's victorious entry into the Persian capital, Ctesiphon, in 628. This victory was significant not only for its territorial gains but also for the retrieval of the True Cross, a venerated relic in Christian tradition. Heraclius also attempted to address the religious divisions within the empire, particularly the contentious Monophysite controversy. He sought to reconcile the differing Christian factions to bring about unity. His reign coincided with the rise of Islam, as the Prophet Muhammad began preaching in the Arabian Peninsula. This emergence of Islam would have far-reaching consequences, leading to the Arab-Byzantine Wars and a transformation of the Byzantine Empire's political landscape. Heraclius's later years were marked by health problems and governance challenges. He passed away in 641, leaving the throne to his sons. His rule remains a pivotal period in Byzantine history, marked by significant victories, religious reconciliation efforts, and the emergence of Islam as a geopolitical force.