Ancient coin, 641-668 AD - Constans II, AE Bronze Follis, Byzantine empire BC31

Description: I always combine shipping! Check out all my other items by clicking on my profile A nice Constans II Follis ( denomination of 40 nummi). These coins were frequently struck on clipped old coins. Sometimes this is very apparent with visible overstrikes or very straight edges compared to coins normal round edges. Constans II, also known as "the Bearded," was a Byzantine emperor who ruled from 641 to 668. Born on November 7, 630, in Constantinople, he ascended to the throne at a young age following the sudden death of his father, Constantine III. Despite his youth and a regency led by influential senators, Constans II managed to consolidate power by deposing his half-brother Heraclonas. His reign marked a significant period during which the Byzantine Empire faced intense external pressures from the rapidly expanding Rashidun Caliphate, leading to substantial territorial losses, particularly in Egypt. One of Constans II's notable policies was his attempt to mediate religious disputes between Orthodox Christians and Monothelites, a sect advocating for a singular will in Christ. He issued the Type of Constans in 648, which prohibited discussions on Christ's nature, seeking to quell the divisive debates. His reign also witnessed the first Byzantine naval battles against the Arab forces, notably culminating in the disastrous Battle of the Masts in 655, where Constans's fleet suffered severe losses. Despite these setbacks, he managed to reclaim some territories and stabilize parts of the empire, including victories against Slavic tribes. In addition to his military and religious policies, Constans II made a historic visit to Rome in 663, the first emperor to do so since the fall of the Western Roman Empire. His time in Italy was marked by tension, as he stripped buildings of valuable materials to send back to Constantinople, which caused resentment among the local population. His administrative reforms and military campaigns also laid the groundwork for later Byzantine structures, even as he faced challenges from rival factions and local powers. Constans II's reign ended abruptly when he was assassinated on July 15, 668, in Syracuse, Sicily. His legacy is mixed; he is remembered for his attempts at religious moderation, his military struggles against Islam, and for being the last emperor to visit Rome during its imperial era. Following his death, his son Constantine IV succeeded him, continuing the Heraclian dynasty's efforts to navigate the complexities of Byzantine politics and warfare in a rapidly changing world. All coins are guaranteed to be authentic. I specialize in Ancient and Medieval coins in both their authentication and identification. If you have questions please feel free to send me a message. I always ship in a well packed bubble mailer and combine shipping!! Please request an invoice or reach out if you have already paid so I can refund excess shipping charges. As always feedback speaks for itself, make sure to check out my feedback from other customers.

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End Time: 2025-01-19T00:07:23.000Z

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