2021-03-20 Sat

Alexios III Megas Komnenos was Emperor of Trebizond reigning from 1349 until his death. His reign is distinguished by a number of religious grants and literary creations.

He was the son of Emperor Basil of Trebizond and his second (and bigamous) wife, Irene of Trebizond. Alexios III was originally named John and took the name Alexios either in memory of his older brother who had died prematurely or of his paternal grandfather, Emperor Alexios II of Trebizond.

His personal appearance was described by George Finlay as "extremely noble". Alexios III died on March 20, 1390, and was succeeded by his son Manuel III. During his long reign, Alexios III had repaired the physical damage to the capital, gave rich endowments to several monasteries, especially Soumela Monastery, and founded the Dionysiou monastery at Mount Athos.

The above shown silver Asper was issued under his reign. The obverse of a coin depicts St. Eugenius riding right on horseback; A in a circle, EVG beneath to left; NH ligature to right; monogram below the horse. On the other hand, the reverse of a coin represents Emperor, wearing loros and crown with pendilla, holding sceptre with three pearls, on horseback right.

Image Source: Wikipedia.org