Hungary, Bela III (1172–1196), Follis of the Byzantine type
Obverse: two kings sitting on thrones in front, a cross between them, on the sides REX BELA and REX STS
Reverse: Our Lady sitting in front, holding a spear, on the sides SANCTA MARIA
Diameter 27 mm, weight 2.81 g
The style and material of the Hungarian Follis on display are reminiscent of the famous Byzantine coin Trachy, testifying to the empire's profound cultural influence on southeastern Europe. It is worth noting that Béla himself was sent to Constantinople by his older brother Stephen at the age of 15 and grew up there at the court of Manuel I Komnenos. Like many foreign princes before him, young Béla must have been deeply impressed by the magnificent and highly regarded capital of the venerable Empire. He eventually became engaged to Maria, Manuel's daughter, and took the name Alexios when he became Byzantine Crown Prince in 1165. However, when a son was born to Manuel I in 1169, Béla lost his rank, and the engagement to Maria was broken off. This situation contributed to Béla's return to Hungary in 1172, when his brother Stephen was poisoned.
