Ancient Empires
HERACLIUS Byzantine Empire

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History credits Heraclius with many accomplishments, and he is ranked among the great of Roman emperors. He was Byzantine Emperor from 610 to 641 AD and is credited with victory over the Persian Sassanids as the empire drove the Persians from Asia Minor. The victory was short-lived as the Muslims not only defeated the Sassanids completely but conquered Mesopotamia, Armenia, and Egypt from the Romans. Heraclius was the first emperor to engage the Muslims and possibly corresponded personally with Muhammad. In any event, he is viewed favorably in Islamic tradition.
On the AV solidus of 613-641 AD, Heraclius is pictured on obverse with his son Heraclius Constantine (the future Constantine III). The reverse shows Christ’s cross potent on steps. This reminds that Heraclius recovered the “True Cross” from the Persians in 628 and ultimately had it returned to Jerusalem where it had been discovered though the efforts of Ste. Helena at the end of the 4th century.