John III Ducas (Vatatzes). Emperor of Nicaea AD 1222-1254. Magnesia
Hyperpyron AV

28 mm, 4,26 g

Christ, nimbate, seated facing on throne, wearing tunic and pallium, raising His right hand in benediction and holding book of Gospels in His left; in field to left and right, IC - XC; in field to left, cross / John III standing facing on the left, wearing divitision and loros, holding anexikakia in his left hand and labarum in his right, crowned by the Virgin Mary, nimbate, standing facing on the right.

Extremely Fine

Sear 2073.

John III Doukas Vatatzes, known as John Vatatzes, was a Byzantine Emperor who ruled from 1222 to 1254. His reign is noteworthy for its stability and the revival of the Byzantine Empire. John, born in 1192, ascended to the throne through his marriage to Irene Laskarina, the daughter of the late Emperor Theodore I Laskaris. John was a skilled military commander, leading successful campaigns to expand the Empire of Nicaea. His efforts resulted in the recovery of substantial territories in western Asia Minor and western Greece. Notably, John formed a beneficial alliance with the Papacy, receiving recognition as the legitimate Byzantine emperor in exchange for recognizing the Pope's authority over the western church. Under John's rule, there was a flourishing of culture and intellectual pursuits, contributing to a cultural revival. His reign was marked by the production of literary and artistic works. John Vatatzes passed away in 1254, succeeded by his son, Theodore II Laskaris. His legacy lies in rejuvenating and consolidating the Byzantine Empire, setting the stage for its resurgence after the tumultuous period following the Fourth Crusade.