Tremissis of Theophilos - 7
These coins, called a tremissis and a third of a solidus, was produced by the imperial mint at Syracuse, Sicily. Theophilos was the last of three emperors who supported iconoclasm, the rejection of figural images for Christian worship that led to the destruction of icons and other works. Theophilos appears on both sides of these coins wearing and holding the Christian symbol approved of by the iconoclasts, the cross. With his death, the Byzantine Empire returned to the veneration of icons.
Byzantine currency set the financial standard for the Mediterranean world into the thirteenth century. The images on the coins identified the ruler and concepts he wished to encourage.
Byzantine currency set the financial standard for the Mediterranean world into the thirteenth century. The images on the coins identified the ruler and concepts he wished to encourage.
Artwork Details
- Title: Tremissis of Theophilos - 7
- Date: 829–843
- Culture: Byzantine
- Medium: Gold
- Classification: Metalwork-Coins
- Credit Line: Bequest of Nanette B. Kelekian, 2020
- Object Number: 2021.37.23.1–.7
- Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters
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