CONSTANTINE X DUCAS.(1059-1067). 2/3 Miliaresion. Constantinople.

Obv : + ӨKЄ BOHӨЄI / MHP - ΘV.
The Virgin Mary standing facing, orans; wedge to upper left and right.

Rev : + ӨKЄ BO / HӨЄI KωN / CTANTINω / ΔЄCΠOTH / Tω ΔUKA.
Legend in five lines; decoration above and below.
Sear 1851.

Condition : Holed.

Material : Silver.
Axis :

Weight : 1.50 gr
Diameter : 18 mm

Constantine X Ducas was a Byzantine emperor who ruled from 1059 to 1067 CE. His reign is generally viewed as a period of decline for the Byzantine Empire, marked by military setbacks and internal weaknesses. Constantine came from the noble Ducas family, which had significant influence within the Byzantine aristocracy.

Before becoming emperor, Constantine had served in various administrative and military roles. In 1059, following the abdication of Emperor Isaac I Komnenos due to illness, Constantine was chosen as his successor, largely because of his connections within the Byzantine aristocracy and his reputation as a cautious and moderate figure. However, his reign soon proved problematic for the stability of the empire.

Constantine X’s reign was characterized by a focus on appeasing the aristocracy and reducing military spending, which weakened the empire’s defenses at a time when external threats were growing. He cut back on military funding, disbanded some troops, and neglected the empire’s borders, especially in the east, where the Seljuk Turks were becoming a significant threat. This neglect led to a series of military defeats, particularly in Asia Minor, where the Turks began to make incursions into Byzantine territory.

In addition to the Seljuk threat, the empire faced pressures from the Normans in Italy, who were gradually pushing the Byzantines out of their holdings in southern Italy. Constantine's inability to effectively address these external threats left the empire vulnerable and exacerbated its declining military power.

Domestically, Constantine X's rule was marked by increasing influence of the aristocracy and the church, but his governance failed to address the economic challenges facing the empire. His focus on appeasing the powerful aristocratic families resulted in a weakened central authority, which further contributed to the empire's troubles.

Constantine X died in 1067, leaving the empire in a precarious state. He was succeeded by his wife, Eudokia Makrembolitissa, who initially ruled as regent for their son, Michael VII Ducas. Due to the empire’s weakened position, Eudokia later married Romanos IV Diogenes, who sought to restore the military strength of the Byzantine Empire.

Constantine X's reign is often criticized for his mismanagement of military and foreign policy, which led to significant territorial losses and set the stage for future crises, particularly the catastrophic defeat at the Battle of Manzikert in 1071, which occurred a few years after his death. His policies are seen as having contributed to the overall decline of the Byzantine Empire during the late 11th century.