Heraclius and the Persian War: What Happened
From 602 to 628 AD, the Byzantine Empire fought the last and greatest of its wars against the Sasanian Persian Empire. The conflict began when the Persian king Khosrow II used the murder of the Byzantine emperor Maurice as a pretext for invasion. Over the next two decades, the Persians conquered Syria, Palestine and Egypt, the empire's richest provinces. In 614, they captured Jerusalem and carried off the True Cross, believed to be the cross on which Jesus was crucified. The empire seemed close to collapse. The emperor Heraclius, who took power in 610, rebuilt the army and in 622 launched a daring counteroffensive deep into Persian territory. Rather than defending, he struck at the heart of the Persian Empire. In 626, while Heraclius was away, the Persians and Avars besieged Constantinople, but the city held. In 627, Heraclius won a major victory near the ruins of Nineveh. Khosrow was overthrown, and peace was made in 628. Heraclius returned the True Cross to Jerusalem, but both empires were exhausted just as Arab armies emerged.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the last Roman-Persian war?
The Byzantine-Sasanian War of 602 to 628 AD was the last and greatest war between the Byzantine Empire and Sasanian Persia, lasting 26 years.
Who was Heraclius?
Heraclius was the Byzantine emperor from 610 to 641 AD. He rebuilt the army, defeated Persia and made Greek the official language of the empire.
What was the True Cross?
The True Cross was believed to be the cross on which Jesus was crucified. The Persians took it from Jerusalem in 614 AD, and Heraclius returned it after his victory.
How did Heraclius defeat Persia?
Instead of defending, Heraclius launched a daring counteroffensive deep into Persian territory in 622 AD and won a major victory near Nineveh in 627 AD.
What happened after the Persian war?
Both empires were exhausted. Soon afterward, Arab armies emerged and conquered Persia and the Byzantine provinces of Syria, Palestine and Egypt.
More Events from Byzantine Empire
