Byzantine Empire Alexander

Ο ΒΥΖΑΝΤΙΝΟΣ ΑΥΤΟΚΡΑΤΟΡΑΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΣ​

Alexander - ALЄXAҺdROS AЧςЧSTOS ROm​

Alexander, the third son of Basil I, was co-emperor throughout his brother Leo VI's reign, although he took no part in actual governing. Upon Leo's death, he succeeded to the position of senior emperor, ruling alongside Leo VI's young son Constantine VII. Byzantine sources are unanimous in proclaiming Alexander a self-indulgent drunkard, feckless and unfit to rule. He dismissed nearly all of Leo's ministers and generals, whose diplomatic skills had kept the empire relatively stable and prosperous for the previous 25 years. He also broke a peace treaty with Bulgaria by refusing to pay tribute upon his accession, prompting a long and destructive war. He was spared witnessing the consequences of his folly, however, contracting a stomach ailment and dying after only a year and a month as senior ruler. His extremely rare gold solidi bear the only numismatic depiction of a Saint Alexander, who is shown crowning the emperor on the reverse. This probably represents Alexander of Constantinople, the first archbishop of that city, who lived in the time of Constantine the Great.