Roman Empire Emperors
Romanus III
1028-1034
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Coin Details
| Origin/Country: |
ANCIENT - BYZANTINE (5th CENT AD - 15th CENT AD) BYZANTINE EMPIRE Romanus III, AD 1028-1034 |
| Item Description: |
AV Hist. Nomisma Empire The Werner Collection Graffito. Scratches. |
| Full Grade: |
NGC Ch AU Strike: 5/5 Surface: 2/5 Strike: 5/5 Surface: 2/5 |
| Owner: |
Von Werner |
Owner Comments:
Romanos III Argyros (968 – 11 April 1034), was Byzantine emperor from 15 November 1028 until his death. He was a Byzantine noble and senior official in Constantinople when the dying Constantine VIII forced him to divorce his wife and marry the emperor's daughter Zoë. Upon Constantine's death three days later, Romanos took the throne.
Romanos has been recorded as a well meaning but ineffective emperor. He disorganised the tax system and undermined the military, personally leading a disastrous military expedition against Aleppo. He fell out with his wife and foiled several attempts on his throne, including two which revolved around his sister-in-law Theodora. He spent large amounts on the construction and repair of churches and monasteries. He died after six years on the throne, allegedly murdered, and was succeeded by his wife's young lover, Michael IV.