The Miliaresion in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea: The Evidence from the Islands (8th–11th Centuries)

This paper examines the circulation of the Byzantine silver coinage par excellence, the miliaresion, in the Aegean Sea and Cyprus from the 8th to the 11th century. It focuses on the nature of the finds and the role of silver coinage during the turbulent period of Arab raids, as well as during the subsequent period, when Byzantine authority was restored. During the transitional period, most of the islands endured brutal Arab raids. Due to their strategic geopolitical position, Crete and Cyprus were particularly affected. In Crete, the formation of an emirate led to the first Arab settlement in the heart of the Aegean Sea, which served as the base for further raids on the islands. Cyprus also experienced a long Arab presence, due to the treaty of ‘neutrality’ between Byzantium and the Arabs. Despite the limited circulation of coinage during that period, a significant number of miliaresia, both in hoards and as single finds, have been recorded on these islands, as well as on the Cyclades. Arab coins, also found on these islands, should be considered as well, given their impact on Byzantine monetary circulation and their possible connection with the miliaresion. It is known that the miliaresion closely imitated the Arab dirham in terms of metrology, form and decoration. The islands offer a good example in order to explore the relationship between the miliaresion and the dirham on the one hand and between the latter and Arab activities on the other hand. In the 10th century, Byzantine authority in Crete and Cyprus was restored, leading to the restoration of monetary supply and the normalization of numismatic circulation. Within this context, the paper will examine the role of the miliaresion in the islands in this latter period and until the 11th century – when the denomination ceased to be issued.