Theophilus, with Constantine and Michael II AD 829-842. Struck 830-840 AD. Constantinople
Solidus AV

20 mm, 4,30 g

✱ ΘЄOFILOS bASILЄ Θ, crowned facing bust of Theophilus, wearing chlamys, holding patriarchal cross and akakia / +MIXAHL S COҺSTAҺTIҺ', crowned facing busts of Michael and Constantine, each wearing chlamys; cross above.

Very Fine

DOC 3d; Füeg 3.H.2.y; Sear 1653.

Theophilos was Byzantine Emperor from 829 to 842, known for his opposition to icon worship. Issuing a strict ban on icon veneration in 832, reports of harsh measures against dissenters are considered possibly exaggerated. Theophilos faced conflicts with Saracens in Sicily but turned attention to a war against the Caliph of Baghdad, triggered by offering asylum to Persian refugees. Initial successes were followed by defeats, including the fall of Amorion in 838. A campaign against the Bulgarians disrupted the Via Militaris. Diplomatically, Theophilos engaged with the Emirate of Córdoba. Internally, Theophilos fought corruption, implemented impartial justice, and maintained sound finances despite expenditures. Educated in grammar, he valued music and art, fortifying Constantinople's walls and establishing a lasting hospital. Married to Theodora II, his death left their young son, Michael III, as heir. Theodora II, along with their daughter Thekla and the eunuch Theoktistos, took up regency. Theophilos' eldest son, Constantine, had died, and his youngest daughter, Maria, was married to the general Alexios Musele.