Constantine IX Monomachus (AD 1042-1055). AV histamenon nomisma (26mm, 4.29 gm, 5h). NGC Choice XF 5/5 - 2/5, brushed, edge bend, scratches. Constantinople. +IhS XIS RЄX RЄϚNANTIhm, bust of Christ facing with nimbus cruciger, crescents in the upper quadrants, wearing pallium and colobium, raising right hand in benediction, book of Gospels in left arm; triple border / +CwhST-ATh-bASILEЧS Rm, bust of Constantine IX facing, with mustache and short beard, wearing crown with pendilia and loros of square pattern, cruciform scepter in right hand, globe surmounted by pelleted cross in left; triple border. Sear 1830. Constantine's family name Monomachus means "lone warrior" and was adopted by one of his descendants, the Grand Prince of Kiev Vladimir II Monomakh (r. 1113-1125). Constantine, however, was not much of a warrior and preferred a comfortable life in Constantinople among his friends of the civil aristocracy. Under Constantine, the decay of the Byzantine military that had begun after the death of Basil II became more acute. The Seljuqs arrived on Byzantium's eastern border near Lake Van in 1048 and began to raid the eastern Byzantine themes. Byzantine territorial integrity was still maintained during Constantine's rule, but the erosion of the state's military power would have long-lasting consequences in the coming decades. HID09801242017 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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