Nicetas (cousin of Heraclius)

Nicetas
Diedafter 618/9, possibly 628/9
Constantinople?
(modern-day Istanbul, Turkey)
AllegianceHeraclius the Elder and Heraclius the Younger
Service / branchByzantine army
Years of service608–618/9
Battles / wars
MemorialsStatues in Constantinople
Children
Relations
  • Emperor Heraclius (cousin)
  • Patrikios Gregoras (father)

Nicetas or Niketas (Greek: Νικήτας) was the cousin of Emperor Heraclius. He played a major role in the revolt against Phocas that brought Heraclius to the throne, where he captured Egypt for his cousin. Nicetas remained governor of Egypt (or at least Alexandria) thereafter, and participated also in the Byzantine–Sassanid War of 602–628, but failed to stop the Sassanid conquest of Egypt ca. 618/619. He disappears from the sources thereafter, but possibly served as Exarch of Africa until his death.