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Heraclius had to begin his reign by recovering much of his empire from the Persians. He also had to reorganize the govern- ment and the army. Heraclius brought efficiency into the government and restored financial stability to the empire.
In 621, Heraclius began a seven-year series of campaigns against the Persians. This began because Heraclius wanted to recover lost territory in Asia Minor. A peace treaty which limited Persia to its old frontiers was also signed during this time.
During the end of Heraclius's reign he began to be obsessed with theology and became unconcerned by the rise of Islam in Arabia. Syria fell to the Muslims in 632 and in 640 Egypt was detached from the Byzantine Empire. No one knows to this day why the once concerned and very involved Heraclius sat by and watched as these places were being overrun. However, Heraclius's earlier leadership that lead Egypt out of its slump and may have saved Byzantine Empire from complete destruction.