Byzantine Empire

Byzantine Ivory Stylus

Fourth century A.D.

Location unknown

Gold Byzantine Marriage Ring

Fifth to Sixth century A.D.

Syria

This simple, gold ring demonstrates a bezel illustration of a marriage couple separated by a Christian cross. The images are punch engraved in gold and represent an early depiction of highly stylized Byzantine art. The Greek inscription translates as “Harmony.”

Gold Byzantine Cross on a Chain

Sixth century A.D.

Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey)

Gold Byzantine Menorah Reliquary

Sixth century A.D.

Syria

Decorated with a Menorah, the branched candelabrum that symbolizes Judaism.

Gold Solidus Coin with the image of the Byzantine Emperor Justin I

Gold Solidus Coin

Byzantine Emperor Justin I (r.518-527 A.D.)

518 A.D.

Constantinople (Istanbul, turkey)

OBVERSE: Diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust of Justin I three-quarter facing, holding a spear in his right hand and with a shield ornamented with a rider over his left shoulder. The inscription reads “D N IVSTINVS P P AVG” meaning “DOMINOR NOSTROR (Our Lord) JUSTINUS PATER PATRIAE (Father of his country) AUGUSTUS (emperor).”

REVERSE: “Victory” standing to the left, holding a staff with christogram; to left a star. The inscription reads “VICTORIA AVGGG H” meaning “‘VICTORY OF THE EMPEROS’ (plural) ‘H’ (mark for the actual workshop).” This reverse type with the traditional female “Victory,” was only issued up to March 28, 519 when the union with Rome was concluded. After this event, a male Angel was introduced and subsequently became the standard reverse for the solidus.

Gold Solidus Coin with the image of the Byzantine Co-Emperor Constans II

Gold Solidus Coin

Byzantine Co-Emperor Constans II (r.630-668 A.D.)

630-668 A.D.

Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey)

The son of Heraclius Constantine, Constans was made co-emperor by Heraclonas in September 641. His official name was Constantine, but this was popularly abbreviated to Constans.

In the early part of the reign, the Arabs continued their victorious advance and Egypt was subjugated by the autumn of 642. This was a great blow to the Byzantines as Egypt, which was now permanently lost, had been one of the richest provinces of the Empire. The Arab fleet was also built up at this time and constituted a threat to Byzantine naval supremacy.

Revolts occurred in North Africa and in Italy, but they both ended in failure, and Constans further strengthened his position by proclaiming his son, Constantine IV, co-emperor in 654. Four years later he undertook a campaign against the Slavs in the Balkans, and achieved a considerable measure of success. Large numbers of Slavs were transported to Asia Minor, where they served in the imperial army.

Towards the end of his reign, Constans took the unprecedented step of removing his residence to the West. He left Constantinople, never to return, and made a slow progress through the western provinces. Syracuse was his final destination and this became his imperial capital, though the rest of his family remained in Constantinople. His despotic behavior ultimately led to his assassination in 668, and he was succeeded by his son.