This ruler encouraged resettlement of the White Croats and sent priests to baptize their leader Porga. Under this ruler, a subject compiled the Paschal Chronicle and Theophylact Simocatta produced an early description of China. In the Swahili epic Utend̠i wa Tambuka, this ruler’s brother kills three generals in a battle later avenged by the Expedition of Usama bin Zayd. Frescoes at Moldovița (“mol-doh-VEET-sah”) Monastery depict the Virgin’s intercession to save this ruler’s capital from a failed siege by the Avars, who were repulsed by his brother Theodore and Patriarch Sergius I. This ruler allied with the spāhbed usurper Shahrbarāz to return the True Cross to Jerusalem. Khālid ibn al-Walīd won the Battle of Yarmouk against this ruler, who earlier overthrew Phocas. For 10 points, name this 7th-century emperor who ruled during the final Byzantine–Sasanian War. ■END■
ANSWER: Heraclius [or Hērákleios] (The third line refers to the Battle of Mu‘tah.)
<European History>
= Average correct buzz position