Constantine III

Constantine III (612–641), born Heraclius Constantine, was the eldest son of Heraclius. Crowned Augustus in 613, he helped defend Constantinople against the Avar and Persian siege of 626 while his father campaigned in the East.

He married Gregoria, and their son Constans II was born in 630. His stepmother Martina’s rising influence weakened his position, and when Heraclius died in 641, Constantine ruled jointly with his half-brother Heraklonas.

Dying of tuberculosis, he sent money to the soldiers to secure his sons’ succession. Rumours that Martina had poisoned him provoked the army to overthrow her and enthrone Constans II.