2019-09-03 Tue

The Byzantine Emperor, Michal III who was the third and last member of the Amorian dynasty ruled the Byzantine Empire from 842 to 867. His reign was marked the restoration of the use of icons in the Byzantine Church, and by successful campaigns against the Arabs and Slavs.

Michael III took an active part in the wars against the Abbasid and their vassals on the eastern frontier. Today on 3rd September in the year 863, Petronas (the uncle of Emperor Michael III) defeated and killed the emir of Melitene at the battle of Lalakaon, and celebrated a triumph in the capital.

The above shown gold Semissis was issued under his reign from Syracuse mint. The obverse of a coin depicts the facing bust of Michael III, with short beard, wearing crown and chlamys, globus cruciger in the right hand. On the other hand, the reverse of a coin represents facing bust of Michael III, with short beard, wearing crown and loros, globus cruciger in right hand.

Image Source: Heritage Auctions