The Heraclian Dynasty
Part 1: The birth of Modern Rhomania
588= Heraclius is born.
590= Leontius (Heraclius' brother) is born. (POD)
610= Heraclius and Leontius overthrow the Despot Phocas at Constantinople. They are crowned Co-emperors of the Eastern Roman Empire.
611-622= Heraclian reforms.
613= The Ecumenical council of Sparta is called by Leontius to unite the Church. a
622= Heraclius advances on Persia with 40,000 men.
626= The Persians and Avars are defeated at Constantinople. Leontius alongside Strategos Bonos advances for the Danube with 51,000 men.
627= Heraclius defeats the Persians at Nineveh.
628= The Avars are pushed back across the Danube. The vulnerable Slavic tribes are trapped between Avar subjugation and the advancing Romans. Leontius takes heart, and allows them to settle in depleted Illyricum, permitting they convert to Christianity. These tribes become theme soldiers. If they serve loyally for a year, they will be granted citizenship.
Leontius marries Venera "the Virgin Mary of Constantinople." b
Notes:
a. My main reference for Byzantium is Judith Herrin's BYZANTIUM The Surprising Life of a Medieval Empire. She states that since all of the ecumenical councils were located in the East, Western Christians were underrepresented. Sparta was the best midpoint I could find.
b. The book also states that during the 626 siege, many citizens claimed they saw a brave Woman (the Virgin Mary) leading the defense. I used this as a potential wife for Leontius.