Christ | Constantine VII and Romanus II Solidus

OBVERSE

Bust of Christ facing forward

IhS XPS REX REGNANTIUM (Jesus Christ, King of those who rule)

REVERSE

Busts of Constantine VII and Romanus II facing forward with a patriarchal cross

COnSTAnT' CE RomAn AЧGG b R' (Constantine and Romanus, Emperors of the Romans)

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

Constantine VII's regency was marked by the conflicts with the Bulgarian ruler Simeon that had already begun under his father, Leo VI, and continued throughout his reign. Simeon achieved significant military successes against the Byzantine Empire, which is why the admiral and Constantine's father-in-law, Romanus I Lecapenus, was involved in the government. Constantine was only able to participate significantly in the regency again after Romanus was forced to abdicate by his sons in 944. He deposed the two sons of Romanus, who had previously served as co-regents, ruled alone for only one year, and then elevated his own son, Romanus II, to co-regent. Constantine VII is best known for his works on Byzantine court culture. His book "De cerimoniis aulae byzantinae" provides a unique insight into Byzantine court ceremonies.