Emperor Heraclius seized power over Constantinople and its empire by force in 610, usurping the throne from his predecessor, Emperor Phocas (r. 602-610)—who was, himself, a usurper. After seeing the vulnerabilities of unstable successions firsthand, Emperor Heraclius made a concerted effort to pave for his children a smooth pathway to the throne. Heraclius’ first wife, … Continue reading The Brief Reigns Of Emperors Constantine III and Heraclonas