Abstract

The folles of Justinian II (first reign, 685–695) and Philippicus (711–713) from excavations at Phanagoria are discussed. Folles of these emperors were first discovered on the Kuban region, which was under Khazar control. A few bronze coins of Justinian II are recorded in Byzantine Taurica, but folles of Philippicus have not been found either there or anywhere in Khazaria. The appearance of Justinian II coin in Phanagoria dates back to a time of active relations between Khazaria and Byzantium, centered on the events surrounding the deposition and flight to Phanagoria of Justinian II. The joint discovery of two folles of Philippicus attests Byzantium’s further contacts with the Khazars, through which Bardanes-Philippicus became emperor.

Keywords

Phanagoria, Byzantine Empire, Khazaria, Justinian II, Philippicus (Bardanes), folles, numismatic profile.

Mikhail G. Abramzon1, 1 Institute of Archaeology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia; Nosov Magnitogorsk State Technical University, Magnitogorsk, Russia, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., ORCID: 0000-0001-6111-048X

Sergey N. Ostapenko, State Historical Museum-Reserve “Phanagoria”, Sennoy, Russia, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., ORCID: 0000-0002-9131-1335