Levon II Copper (Cilician Armenia)
Name/Title
Levon II Copper (Cilician Armenia)Description
The 1 Kardez copper coin from the reign of King Levon II (Leo II) of Cilician Armenia (1270–1289 AD) is a notable example of medieval Armenian numismatics. These coins were minted in Sis, the capital of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia. The Kardez was a smaller denomination in the Cilician Armenian currency system, valued at 1/10 of a Tram, the primary silver coin of the time. Levon II was a member of the Hetoumid dynasty and he inherited a kingdom at a crossroads of cultural and military interactions between East and West. Leo II's reign was marked by efforts to strengthen the kingdom amidst constant threats from the Mamluks of Egypt. He maintained close ties with the Mongol Empire, aligning Cilicia with their military campaigns against shared enemies. This alliance brought temporary security but also made the kingdom dependent on external powers. Leo promoted strong relations with European Crusader states and continued efforts to align the Armenian Church with the Roman Catholic Church. These policies aimed to secure military and financial support from the West, but they also created tension within the local population, which had strong ties to the traditional Armenian Church. He was known for his administrative reforms and patronage of Armenian culture, including the production of illuminated manuscripts and the construction of religious and civic buildings. Despite his efforts, Cilician Armenia faced increasing instability during his reign, with external threats and internal divisions setting the stage for future difficulties. Leo II died in 1289, leaving the throne to his son, Hetoum II. His reign represents a critical period in the history of Cilician Armenia, as the kingdom navigated the pressures of regional politics and cultural transformations.Category
Coins and Banknotes