AE Follis

Struck: A.D. 615 - 616
Mint: Nicomedia
Size: 28mm
Weight: 9.46g
Die Axis: ~200°
Grade: VF
Ref: SB 834

Obv: dd NN hERACLIVS ET hERA CON. Heraclius left, Heraclius Constantine right, cross between, wearing crowns and chlamys and holding cross on globe.
Rev: Large M, ANNO to left, cross or chi-rho above, regnal year to right, officina letter below, mintmark NIK or NIKO.
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Heraclius was born in 575 and was Byzantine Emperor from 610 to 641. The year Heraclius came to power the empire was under serious threat from the Persian Sassanids. His first campaigns against the Persians ended in defeat and prompted him to initiate major military reforms. He ws then able to drive the Persians out of Asia Minor and deep into their own territory defeating them decisively in 627 at the Battle of Nineveh.

Heraclius victory over the Persians resulted in a great expansion of the empire but much of this territory was subsequently lost to a completely new power emerging from the Arabian Peninsula. Heraclius was the first Byzantine emperor to engage the Muslim forces that were unified by Muhammad in 629. In Islamic tradition he is the only emperor discussed at any length and was remembered as a wise and resolute adversary who left a considerable impression.

Heraclius died on February 11, 641 in Constantinople.