FORVM Byzantine Empire Theophilus Half Follis Syracuse Sicily Mint "Emaciated" - $81 - (Morehead City, NC)
Byzantine Empire, Theophilus, 12 May 821 - 20 January 842 A.D.Joint rule as junior emperor with Michael II (his father), 12 May 821 (or 1 June 822) - 2 October 829 A.D. Joint rule with Constantine (his son), 5 June 830 - c. 831 A.D. Joint rule with Michael III (his son), 1 September 840 - 20 January 842 A.D. Theophilus was the son of Emperor Michael II, who raised him to the rank of co-emperor shortly after his own accession. Though his father was a little educated rough soldier, Theophilus was an accomplished scholar and highly cultured. Although he admired Arab art and civilization, he was obliged to expend much effort defending his eastern frontier against Mutasim, the Caliph of Baghdad. He died of dysentery in early 842, leaving his two-year-old son, Michael III as his successor. Some regard Theophilus as one of the best Byzantine emperors, others as an ordinary and insignificant ruler. He certainly did his best to check corruption and oppression. His personal leadership in battle indicates he was not afraid to command and put his life alongside that of his soldiers. Despite the drain of war and the large sums spent on building, commerce, and industry, the finances of the Empire flourished, largely due to highly efficient administration. He strengthened the Walls of Constantinople and built a hospital, which continued in existence until the twilight of the Empire.BZ71131. Bronze half follis, references: Anastasi 562; Ratto 1837; DOC III-1 29c (follis); SBCV 1680 (follis); Spahr 414 (follis); Sommer 31.14 (follis); Trivero -; Calciati MBBS -; condition: VF, typical tight flan and uneven strike, 'emaciated face' style variant, mint: Syracuse, weight: 1.821g, maximum diameter: 16.9mm, die axis: 180o, date struck: 835 - 20 Jan 842; obverse EOFIL bAS, bust facing, wearing domed crown, loros, cross potent in right; reverse + MIXHAL S CONST, facing busts of Michael II (left) and Constantine, each wears domed crown and chlamys, star above center; $81 Forum Ancient Co…
ADVERTISEMENT
From ebay.com - 1 month ago