Heraclius and Muhammad

The Peaceful Takeover of Jerusalem, Heraclius departs the Levent

Knowing Jerusalem would soon fall, Emperor Heraclius moved the True Cross to Constantinople to protect it. It was displayed in the Hagia Sophia cathedral during major events until crusaders looted the city in 1204 CE.

As Jerusalem was peacefully surrendered to Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab in 638 CE, Heraclius retreated across the mountains, leaving the province forever. Turning back to gaze upon the land he had spent nearly two decades reclaiming from the Persians, he whispered a final, heartbreaking farewell (according to some historical resources):