8. (1020-1028) Jesus, Bronze, and Byzantium — The Follis That Meant Business

In today’s episode we travel back through the ages to the mean marble streets of Constantinople, modern day Istanbul, capital of the Byzantine Empire and what remained of the Roman Empire. And birthplace of a coin that’s got more drama, mystery, and religious iconography than a Dan Brown novel. During this period Basil II (reigned 976–1025): He was one of the most powerful and effective emperors of the Byzantine Empire, known for his military campaigns, especially against the Bulgarians.