Heraclian revolt

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Heraclian Revolt (608–610)

Overview
- A rebellion against Byzantine Emperor Phocas led by Heraclius the Elder, the Exarch of Africa, and his son Heraclius the Younger.
- The revolt ended with Phocas being overthrown and Heraclius the Younger becoming emperor, starting the Heraclian dynasty.

Background
- People were unhappy with Phocas’ harsh rule and purges. The death of Maurice in 602 added to the resentment.
- The Heraclii wanted power and saw chances to weaken Phocas.
- Africa supplied grain and money to Constantinople, so Phocas depended on the Exarchate of Africa. The eastern threat from the Sasanian Empire also encouraged western revolt as a safer option.

The revolt
- In 608, Heraclius the Elder and his son declared themselves rulers and moved to take power.
- They attacked Egypt and Cyrenaica overland, while a navy from North Africa attacked Constantinople, possibly via Sicily and Italy.
- The revolt won support in Egypt and across parts of the central Mediterranean.

Aftermath
- In late 610 (or 611), Phocas was overthrown after a counter-revolt by his relative Comentiolus failed and Phocas was killed by Patrikios Justin.
- Heraclius the Elder died soon after the victory.
- Heraclius the Younger was proclaimed emperor in Constantinople, inaugurating the Heraclian dynasty.