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Document Details :

Title: Constantin le despote et le monnayage de Théophile
Author(s): YANNOPOULOS, Panayotis
Journal: Byzantion
Volume: 86    Date: 2016   
Pages: 453-469
DOI: 10.2143/BYZ.86.0.3180834

Abstract :
Since the 17th century numismatists have been trying to identify a 'Constantine despotis' who is depicted on coins issued by Theophilus. There have been many hypotheses, some of which possible, others unfounded. More light was shed on the question by the edition of the De Cerimoniis of 1829, as it is noted in the text that one of Theophilus’s children died at a young age and was buried in a sarcophagus. The edition of Theophanis continuatus of 1838 further clarified the matter, as it mentioned that one of Theophilus’s children drowned in a pool at the Palace as an infant. Finally, the Chronicon Vulturnense states that both Constantine and his brother Michael were crowned co-emperors by Theophilus. The remaining questions are situated in the field of chronology: When was Constantine born? When was he crowned and when did he die? An analysis of numismatic material allows us to place the birth of Constantine at the end of 830 or at the beginning of 831. It also helps to situate his coronation shortly after his birth. Furthermore, based on the imperial seal of commercial depositories, it can be assumed that Constantine drowned before August 31, 832.

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