Histamenon of Romanus III (Cleveland Museum of Art 2011.213)
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1028–34
Romanus III Argyrus (968–April 11, 1034) was Byzantine emperor from November 15, 1028, until his death. He was husband of Zoe, the daughter of Constantine VII, the man Romanus was to succeed as emperor three days after wedding the daughter.
He appears to have thought a lot of himself and his abilities, but in fact was inept, corrupt, and self-absorbed. His government was filled with corruption and mismanagement. He made the mistake of ignoring his wife Zoe and limiting her expenses in an effort to reduce expenditures. This would prove fatal to him as he was either poisoned or drowned (accounts differ) by the hand or order of his wife. Cleveland Museum of Art object 2011.213: Histamenon of Romanus III, 1028–34.
Byzantium. Gold; diameter: 2.4 cm (15/16 in.). Inscribed: IhS XIS R?X R?GNANTInm; ?C? ?ON? R?MAn?. Details are those of this museum object; how far it represents a wider type has not been independently verified.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 3
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Historical context
On one side is a seated figure of Christ enthroned, on the other the Virgin is shown touching the head of emperor Romanus III.
Physical characteristics
- Materials
- gold
- Dimensions
- Diameter: 2.4 cm (15/16 in.)
- Measurements
- Diameter: 2.4 cm (15/16 in.)
- Material and technique
- gold
Design
- Inscriptions
- IhS XIS R?X R?GNANTInm; ?C? ?ON? R?MAn?
Identification
- Date recorded
- 1028–34
- Culture period
- Byzantium
- Holding institution
- Cleveland Museum of Art
- Museum object number
- 2011.213
- Museum classification
- Coins
Documentation checklist
- Denomination
- Research required
- Issue or mint date
- Recorded
- Material
- Recorded
- Weight
- Research required
- Mint or printer
- Research required
- Mint or printer mark
- Research required
- Catalogue reference
- Research required
- Attached photograph (check rights)
- Recorded
Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: this record describes a single museum object; confirm the wider coin type and standard catalogue references against numismatic literature.