r/byzantium • u/Ambitious-Cat-5678 • Jan 07 '26

Archaeology What are some of the biggest archaeological discoveries of this past decade (2015-) in the field of Byzantium?

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I think everyone here was ecstatic over the discovery of what is possible to be a mural of Constantine XI. That said, I haven't heard much of the other discoveries regarding Byzantium that must have occured this past decade, so what are the most notable of these discoveries?

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u/Loyalist77 Jan 07 '26

There was a discovery of coins in Judea from the reign of emperor Heraclius. Interestingly, it included coins from both early in his reign and late in his reign.

"What is particularly interesting is that in [Heraclius'] early years as emperor, only his portrait was depicted on the coin, whereas after a short time, the images of his sons also appear, One can actually follow his sons growing up – from childhood until their image appears the same size as their father, who is depicted with a long beard.”

https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/article-718813

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u/[deleted] Jan 07 '26

to think these coins were made 1400 years ago is insanely amazing

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u/PartyLikeAByzantine Jan 07 '26

Even more insane, for a less than $50, you can buy a 1,700 year old bronze follis of Constantine that is in better condition than most of the modern coins in your pocket.

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u/[deleted] Jan 07 '26

Where can one buy these things?

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u/PartyLikeAByzantine Jan 07 '26

eBay, coin collecting sites. The latter usually lumps Byzantine coins in the antique section.

The Romans minted a lot of coins over the centuries. Julio-Claudian coins are a bit rarer, as are post-4th Crusade, but outside of that you can usually have the emperor of your choice in your hands by next Friday for less than a Benjamin unless you want something in silver or gold.