Heraklonas

   Co-emperor (641) with his half-brother Constantine III (q.v.); he was briefly emperor (q.v.) the same year. His mother was Martina (q.v.), the second wife of Herakleios (q.v.). When Constantine III died, Heraklonas reigned alone, but Martina was the real ruler. Her support of Monotheletism (q.v.), and the occupation of Alexandria by the Arabs (qq.v.), made her unpopular. She and Heraklonas were overthrown in a revolt by Valentinos Arsakuni (q.v.) in 641. Her tongue was cut out and Heraklonas had his nose slit, the first instance of this kind of mutilation (as a punishment, and as symbol of unsuitability for holding office).