Constantine IX Monomachus (AD 1042-1055). AV histamenon nomisma (28mm, 4.44 gm, 5h). NGC AU 5/5 - 1/5, pugged, edge crimps. Constantinople. + IhS XIS RЄX-RЄGNANTIhm, Christ seated facing on throne with curved back, wearing nimbus cruciger, pallium, and colobium, right hand raised in benediction, book of Gospels in left; triple border / + CwhStA-hTh-bASILЄЧS RM, half-length bust of Constantine IX facing, wearing crown surmounted by cross with pendilia and loros, cruciform scepter with tendril ornament in right hand, globe surmounted by cross resting on crescent in left; triple border. Sear 1828A. Ex Leu Numismatik, Web Auction 15 (27 February 2021), lot 2461. 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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