★ Nicephorus Basilacius ★

NICEPHORUS BASILACIUS (Usurper, 1078). Follis. Thessalonica.

Obv: IC - XC.
Facing bust of Christ Pantokrator.
Rev: C - B / N - B.
Jewelled patriarchal cross set upon base.

Sear 1890.

Very rare. In 1077 Michael VII Ducas faced the revolt of John of Durrës, brother of Nicephorus Bryennios, who was not happy with his style of government. The emperor then appointed Nicephorus Basilas as duke of Durrës, who set off for Epirus with a strong army to arrest the rebel Nicephorus Brienus, who was initially undecided on what to do. He then joined his brother in Hadrianopolis and together they met up with Basilacius' army near Thessalonica. After a few skirmishes, the two made peace and decided not to obstruct each other and to go their separate ways. Nicephorus Bryennios then attempted to take Constantinople without success and, although the new emperor Nicephorus III Botaniates offered him a complete amnesty, the former duke of Durrës refused. Nicephorus III then appealed to Alexius Comnenus, who, with the help of a contingent of Turks, defeated and captured Brienus in Thessaly in 1078. Nicephorus Basilacius was then acclaimed emperor by the men who had previously remained loyal to Nicephorus Bryennios and took command of operations in the rebel camp. After recruiting an army composed of Albanians, Bulgarians and Normans from southern Italy, Basilacius turned in the direction of the capital, receiving the support of several Thessalian and Macedonian cities along the way. Nicephorus III turned again to Alexius Comnenus, who repaid him by defeating Basilacius' army near Thessalonica and forcing the usurper to take refuge within the city walls. Not having enough men to conduct a siege, Alexius agreed with the local nobles to hand over the rebel and managed to deliver him over to the emperor. Basilacius was thus blinded as was common with usurpers or deposed emperors.

Condition: Very fine.

Weight: 3.29 g.
Diameter: 27 mm.