Nomos AG
obolos 21 2 Jan 2022
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CRUSADERS. Lords of Rhodes. Leo Gabalas, as Caesar, circa 1235. (Bronze, 18.5 mm, 1.10 g, 12 h). KAIC/CAP' O Γ/BAΛA'. Rev. +/ O ΔOY/ TOY BA/CIΛES/+. DOC 1. Schlumberger pl. VIII, 17. Same dies as the example of lot 213 of LHS 97, 2006. Very rare. Dark brown patina with areas of lighter brown. Very fine.
Very little is known about the members of the Gabalas family who ruled Rhodes for most of the first half of the 13th century, save that they seem to have taken over the island, and others nearby, during the period of strife in 1203/4 prior to the fall of Constantinople to the Crusaders. On his coins, the denomination of which is uncertain, Leo Gabalas termed himself Caesar and a 'servant of the emperor.' His brother John seems not to have inherited the title Caesar since on his coins he merely described himself as 'ruling in Rhodes.'.
Very little is known about the members of the Gabalas family who ruled Rhodes for most of the first half of the 13th century, save that they seem to have taken over the island, and others nearby, during the period of strife in 1203/4 prior to the fall of Constantinople to the Crusaders. On his coins, the denomination of which is uncertain, Leo Gabalas termed himself Caesar and a 'servant of the emperor.' His brother John seems not to have inherited the title Caesar since on his coins he merely described himself as 'ruling in Rhodes.'.