Heraclius arrival to Constantinople (610)

On October 4, 610 A.D., Heraclius arrived by ship from Africa at Constantinople, overthrew Byzantine Emperor Phocas “the Tyrant” in one of the most badass coups in history, and became Emperor.

When Heraclius captured Phocas, he asked him “Wretch! Is this the way you have governed the empire?”

Phocas replied: “And will you do better?”

Enraged, Heraclius personally killed and beheaded Phocas on the spot. Phocas’s body was mutilated, paraded through the capital, and later burned.”