The Emperor Heraclius: investigations into the image of an emperor
Abstract
This thesis is an investigation into the image of the emperor
Heraclius as depicted by the ancient sources who cover his reign
(610-641 A. D.). In order to establish the relevant criteria for the
portrayal of an emperor it was first necessary to provide the reader
with a synopsis of writings on the role of the emperor from the time
of Eusebius onwards. The reign of Heraclius was then treated in
roughly chronological fashion, there follow four chapters concerning
the sources' description of his military exploits, his coup, and the
warfare with the Avars and the Persians, including the siege of
Constantinople. Here the discussion concerns the personal role of
Heraclius in events and his culpability for their outcome. Heraclius'
triumph in these wars led him to seek a compromise with the
Monophysite Church that was defeated by opposition from the
Chalcedonian Church in the recently liberated provinces. His failure
to achieve any lasting settlement is then discussed as a reason for the
success of the Arab invasions that followed. Heraclius' reputation as
a reformer, amongst ancient and modern authors alike, is then
considered with special reference to the controversy surrounding the
introduction of the themes. The last chapter is a review of the
interrelationship of all the sources that describe Heraclius' reign, in
an attempt to define their various influences.
Type
Thesis, PhD Doctor of Philosophy
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