Obolos 18

Theodore Mancaphas, usurper in Philadelphia, circa 1188-1189 and circa 1204-1206. Trachy (Bronze, 30 mm, 3.75 g, 2 h), Philadelphia, 1188-1189. IC - XC Christ Pantokrator standing facing on dais. Rev. Theodore standing facing, holding cruciform scepter transversely in both hands. Bendall & Morrisson pl. XXV, 4. DOC (2). Grierson 1127. SB -. Dark brown and red patina. Fine.

From the Trausnitz Collection, acquired from Athena on 4 August 2008.

Theodore Mancaphas was a magistrate from Philadelphia, probably its governor, who staged two unsuccessful revolts against the Byzantine authorities, proclaiming himself emperor. The first time was during the reign of Isaac II Angelus, in 1188-1189, who besieged Mancaphas in Philadelphia but had to conclude a quick treaty in order to return to Constantinople to deal with the fast approach of Frederick Barbarossa who was in route to the Third Crusade. Mancaphas' second usurpation was c. 1204-1205 during the tumultuous period of the Fourth Crusade and the fall of Constantinople, when he reestablished his authority in Philadelphia. The second revolt was ultimately unsuccessful as well, leading contemporary historians to give him the sobriquet Morotheodoros (Μωροθεόδωρος) meaning Theodore "the Fool".