It is a very riveting tale, though there is evidence of his existence, there has been little to back the event with artifacts.
First, here's a history from the Byzantine Empire, so you can track it to the time of Heraclius reign.
BYZANTINE EMPIRE
Early Period.
Constantine established precedents for the harmony of church and imperial authorities that persisted throughout the history of the empire. These included his creation of a successful new monetary system based on the gold solidus, or nomisma, which lasted into the middle of the 11th century. The commercial prosperity of the 4th through the 6th century enabled many ancient cities to flourish. Large estates dominated agriculture, and while heavy taxation resulted in much abandonment of land, agriculture continued to be productive. The church acquired vast landed estates and, along with the emperor himself, was the largest landholder during most of the empire’s history. Rigorous imperial regulation of the purity and supply of precious metals, as well as the organization of commerce and artisanship, characterized economic life.
Emperor Justinian I and his wife, Theodora, attempted to restore the former majesty, intellectual quality, and geographic limits of the Roman Empire. At great cost, they reconquered, between 534 and 565, North Africa, Italy, Sicily, Sardinia, and parts of Spain. This effort, however, together with substantial expenses incurred in erecting public buildings and churches—in particular, Hagia Sophia (Church of the Holy Wisdom) in Constantinople—overstrained the empire’s resources, while plagues reduced its population.
www.history.com...
Heraclius, Emperor of the Byzantine (Eastern Roman) Empire, reorganized the Byzantine imperial administration and the imperial armies and strengthened the Empire in the process. During his reign, pivotal changes took place in the Balkans and the Middle East.
historymedren.about.com...
Here is a time-lapse Biography of his reign:
i-cias.com...
He was a respected and recognized foe for the most part, but him having the place in history of being more of a humanitarian is the most important of his doings. he was also quite the organiser when it came to sustaining his people and his beliefs. He fought well and hard, but eventually fell to his opponents.
The Byzantines were a very wealthy society, worthy of being talked about here on the ATS forums, "Starred and Flagged"
Great post, and excellent find for past civilizations topics!!
[edit on 073131p://1174 by Allred5923]





