Heraclius was born to an Armenian family from Cappadocia. His father was a skilled general and later Exarch of Africa, and Heraclius too rose quickly through the ranks after joining the army. In 608 AD both Heraclii renounced their loyalty to Emperor Phocas, who had usurped the throne from Maurice six years earlier, and in 610 the younger Heraclius seized Constantinople by stealth and was acclaimed Emperor by the people and the senate.