|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
| The image of a cross placed on a globe (globus cruciger) symbolized the divinely-bestowed universal power of the emperor. It first appeared in 423 on the reverse of coins of Theodosius II, where the emperor in military dress holds the globus cruciger (photo upper right). Beginning with the coins of Justinian I in 538, the globus cruciger becomes a permanent element of the imperial portrait on most denominations (see Case II, Nos. 7 and 37).
Another major change occurred in the late 6th century under Tiberius II (578–82) allegedly in response to a dream: a new image, the Cross on Steps, replaced the archangel Michael on the reverse of the solidus (photo middle right). Somewhat later, in the early 7th century, a large cross on a globe or a plain cross replaced the image of the Victory—which had survived in the East on the divisions of the solidus (photo lower right and see Case III, Nos. 32-33). The Cross as a symbol of Victory is now associated with an evil-averting function—defending the Christian Empire against its menacing enemies (Persians, Slavs, Avars and eventually Arabs). A new silver coin, the hexagram, with a cross on the reverse, was introduced by Heraclius in 615 (photo below).
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
|
 |
 |