Michael II with Theophilus AD 820-829. Constantinople
Solidus AV

20 mm, 4,47 g

*mIXAHL ЬASILЄЧS, crowned and draped facing bust of Michael, holding cross potent in right hand and akakia in left / ΘЄOFI LO ∂ЄSP´ +, crowned facing bust of Theophilus, wearing loros, holding globus cruciger in right hand and cruciform scepter in left; X at end of legend

Large scrape on reverse, otherwise, Near Extremely Fine

DOC 5b; Füeg 4.A.2; Sear 1640

Michael II, also known as Michael II the Amorian or Michael II the Stammerer, was Byzantine Emperor from AD 820 to 829. He came to power through a conspiracy that led to the assassination of Emperor Leo V the Armenian. Michael II faced various internal and external challenges during his reign, including conflicts with Arab forces and the spread of the Paulician heresy within the empire. Theophilus, or Theophilos, was the son of Michael II and became Byzantine Emperor after his father's death. He ruled from AD 829 to 842. Theophilus continued his father's policies and faced similar challenges, including conflicts with the Abbasid Caliphate and the ongoing Paulician heresy. During his reign, Theophilus also focused on the promotion of Orthodox Christianity and cultural pursuits, particularly in the realm of art and literature. The reign of Michael II and Theophilus marked a significant period in Byzantine history, with both emperors dealing with external threats and internal issues, while also contributing to the cultural and religious development of the Byzantine Empire.