Byzantine Empire. Theophilos (AD 829-842). Semissis Syracuse

**Syracuse**, circa 829-830.

ΘЄOFILOS Facing bust of Theophilus, wearing crown surmounted by cross and chlamys, holding globus cruciger in his right hand. Rev. ΘЄOFILOS Facing bust of Theophilus, wearing crown surmounted by cross and loros, holding globus cruciger in his right hand.
DOC 26a. SB 1673.A beautiful,
sharply struck and very attractive piece. FDC
Rare

Pedigree Vinchon 1991.

Theophilus, the final and most extreme iconoclast ruler of the Byzantine Empire, is remembered for his strong opposition to religious imagery. He infamously forced his iconoclastic views upon monks, branding them with his poetry if they resisted his ban on icons in worship. However, his wife, Theodora, secretly supported the veneration of icons. For her own safety, she kept this hidden throughout their marriage, and even sent their children to stay with their iconophile grandmothers, where they were secretly taught to honor sacred images. Theophilus remained unaware of his wife's true beliefs. After his death, Theodora became regent for their young son, Michael III. In the following year, she convened a council that reversed the iconoclastic policies, restoring the veneration of icons throughout the empire. Iconoclasm would never again be officially supported, and it largely faded from Eastern Christianity. This restoration is commemorated on the first Sunday of Lent as the Feast of Orthodoxy. Theodora effectively governed for 14 years until Michael came of age, and many historians believe that her steady leadership helped turn the tide in the conflict with the Arabs in favor of Byzantium. The Orthodox Church later canonized her for her efforts to reinstate the veneration of icons. Theophilus' iconoclastic policies were deeply unpopular in the West, where the rejection of religious imagery had never been supported. As a result, he was disliked by the people in Byzantine territories in Italy, including Syracuse, where this coin was minted.

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