2020-03-06 Fri

Nicephorus II Phocas was the Byzantine emperor reigning from 963 to 969. Today on 6th March in the year 961, Nikephoros Phokas conquest Chandax. He was born around 912 to Cappadocian Greek family which had produced several distinguished generals, including Nikephoros' father Bardas Phokas, brother Leo Phokas, and grandfather Nikephoros Phokas the Elder, who had all served as commanders of the field army.

His military achievements against the Muslim Arabs contributed to the resurgence of Byzantine power in the 10th century. Nicephorus was a fearsome commander who conquered Crete, Cilicia, and much of Syria. While he is known as a great military commander, he was a poor politician, and his reign was cut short by his murder.

The Siege of Chandax was the centerpiece of the Byzantine Empire's campaign to recover the island of Crete, which since the 820s had been ruled by Muslim Arabs. Nikephoros entered Chandax on 6 March 961 and soon wrested control of the entire island from the Muslims Arabs.

Depicted here is a silver miliaresions issued under his reign from Constantinople mint. The obverse of a coin engraved Cross crosslet set on globus above two steps; in central medallion, crowned bust of Nicephorus facing. On the other hand, the reverse of a coin inscribed with the legend in five lines.

Image Source: Heritage Auctions