Artavasdos (the future usurper), patrikios and kouropalates
Reference Description
The future usurper Artavasdos
Artavasdos (the future usurper), patrikios and kouropalates, before 742. Seal (Lead, 30 mm, 24.03 g, 12 h). Large cruciform monogram Θ(Є)OTOK(Є) BOHΘH; in corners, Tω / Δ૪/Λω / C૪ ('Mother of God, help'). Rev. +APT/AVACΔω / ΠATPIKIω / S KOVPAΠ/AΛATH+ ('Artavasdos, patrikios and kouropalates') in five lines. Zacos/Veglery 1742. A very rare and historically important seal. Very fine.
From the Gert Boersema collection.
Artavasdus was an Armenian general who supported Leo III in his bid for power in 717. The new emperor rewarded Artavasdus with his daughter's hand after his accession to the throne, but this attempt to secure the loyalty of the powerful general backfired when Leo died and was succeeded by his son Constantine V in 742. Artavasdus rebelled and captured Constantinople, where he appointed his son Nicephorus to co-regent. However, Constantine V, who had fled to Amorium, returned in 743 with the Asian units of the Byzantine army and successfully claimed back his throne. Artavasdus and his sons Nicephorus and Nicetas were captured and publicly blinded in the Hippodrom before being cloistered for the rest of their lives.
Artavasdos (the future usurper), patrikios and kouropalates, before 742. Seal (Lead, 30 mm, 24.03 g, 12 h). Large cruciform monogram Θ(Є)OTOK(Є) BOHΘH; in corners, Tω / Δ૪/Λω / C૪ ('Mother of God, help'). Rev. +APT/AVACΔω / ΠATPIKIω / S KOVPAΠ/AΛATH+ ('Artavasdos, patrikios and kouropalates') in five lines. Zacos/Veglery 1742. A very rare and historically important seal. Very fine.
From the Gert Boersema collection.
Artavasdus was an Armenian general who supported Leo III in his bid for power in 717. The new emperor rewarded Artavasdus with his daughter's hand after his accession to the throne, but this attempt to secure the loyalty of the powerful general backfired when Leo died and was succeeded by his son Constantine V in 742. Artavasdus rebelled and captured Constantinople, where he appointed his son Nicephorus to co-regent. However, Constantine V, who had fled to Amorium, returned in 743 with the Asian units of the Byzantine army and successfully claimed back his throne. Artavasdus and his sons Nicephorus and Nicetas were captured and publicly blinded in the Hippodrom before being cloistered for the rest of their lives.
Provenance
Leu Web 9 Lot 1349
07.09.2019
07.09.2019
Files
Collection
Citation
“Artavasdos (the future usurper), patrikios and kouropalates,” Armenian Numismatic Research Organization, accessed December 26, 2024, https://armnumres.org/index.php/items/show/1238.