December 24, 2008
Heraclius and Khosrau Parviz
Battle between Heraclius' army and Persians under Khosrau II (Khosrau Parviz)
Fresco by Piero della Francesca, c. 1452
>> Click here to view larger image
Archaeologists have just discovered almost 300 gold coins dating from the 7th Century at a dig just outside Jerusalem's Old City. The solid 24-carat coins were under a large rock in a car park. The coins date back to the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Heraclius, before the Persians conquered Jerusalem. The archaeologists believe that the coins were probably hidden by someone fleeing the Persians.
According to Khodadad Rezakhani of www.vishistorica.com, Khosrau II attacked Jerusalem before Heraclius became king. At the time, Phokas was the Emperor, and he had just killed Maurice, the former emperor and a close ally of Khosrau.
Posted by mehrdad at December 24, 2008 04:50 PM | Art |