A Byzantium-era gold coin that was discovered in the mountains of southern Norway is a mystery. The coin is a Byzantine histamenon nomisma. These were introduced in Byzantium around 960 AD in what was then the eastern part of the Roman Empire. One side of the coin is stamped with an image of Christ holding the Bible. On the other side, the two emperors Basil II and Constantine VIII.
The two brothers jointly ruled in Byzantium for almost fifty years from 976 to 1025. The coin bears two inscriptions. In Latin, it says Jesus Christ, King of those who rule, and in Greek, it reads Basil and Constantine, emperors of the Byzantine Empire. Struck in gold, standard weight is around 4.4g, though quality and fineness decreased in the 11th century, transitioning to electrum.
It was possibly part of the treasures that Harald Hardrada amassed after serving in the Varangian Guard for the Byzantine emperor in 1034. The Varangian Guard consisted of Scandinavian mercenaries, who served as bodyguards and were known as being fearless. Hardrada was King of Norway from 1046 to 1066. He unsuccessfully claimed both the Danish throne until 1064 and the English throne in 1066. It was customary at that time for the guards to loot the palace when an emperor died, and during Harald’s time in Byzantium, three emperors had died.
Some historians believe that Harald’s demise at Stamford Bridge in 1066 is the end of The Viking Age and deem him the Last Viking. Harald Hardrada, the King of Norway, was killed on September 25, 1066, at the Battle of Stamford Bridge, ending his invasion of England. Caught off-guard by King Harold Godwinson’s forces, Harald was struck in the throat by an arrow while fighting without his chainmail.
Basil II, the 'Bulgar-Slayer,' solidified the empire through military victories.
Basil II (r. 976–1025) and Constantine VIII (r. 1025–1028) were brothers of the Macedonian dynasty who reigned for a combined 66 years, bringing the Byzantine Empire to its zenith. Constantine VIII acted as a nominal co-emperor, largely ignoring statecraft for a life of luxury.
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