Heraclius I (610-641)

Heraclius I (610-641) - the time of the reform and restructuring of the Empire at the beginning of his reign the Empire was reduced to only a few cities in Asia Minor and the Balkans, in addition to the Avars and Slavs, threaten him and the Persians in the east

- Heraclius takes the title Bazilej Romej, Hellenistic culture had finally overcome Latin

- States receive a unique military and civilian government led by strategist, new name for the province themate (thema)

- Military Reform: the Empire is no more funds for mercenary army, but relies on

stratioti, free peasants, which the government allocated land with the obligation of military service

- 626 great siege of Constantinople, the Avars and Slavs attacked by the mainland side, and

Persian navy from the sea, after a successful defense, Heraclius managed to recapture more

part of the eastern provinces to the Persians, but also began to decline and the power of the Avars,

However, the Empire for a long time will not monitor the interior of the Balkans