#john ii

Contemporary paintings of Blanche II of Navarre (right) and her sister Leonor In doing some research in Spanish history, Blanche II, Queen of Navarre, appeared with her intriguing and sad life. Her story reminded me of another Iberian queen, a relative of Blanche’s, who came a bit later, creating one of those captivating historical connections. Family discord played a large role in Blanche’s…

Royal Birthdays for today, August 2nd:

John Cicero, Elector of Brandenburg, 1455

Philippe II, Duke of Orléans, 1674

Mahmud I, Ottoman Sultan, 1696

Dietrich of Anhalt-Dessau, German Prince, 1702

Francisca of Brazil, Princess of Joinville, 1824

Emma of Waldeck and Pyrmont, Queen of the Netherlands, 1858

Constantine I, King of Greece, 1868

Ingeborg of Denmark, Duchess of Västergötland, 1878

Zein al-Sharaf, Queen of Jordan, 1916

Here’s another Byzantine cup coin…

Byzantine Empire

BI Aspron Trachy - 28mm 3.09g

John II 1118-1143 AD

Constantinople Mint

Obverse IC XC

Bust of Christ facing, nimbate, wearing pallium and colobium, raising hand and holding book of Gospels in other

Reverse +IW ΔΕCΠΟΤ Τ ΠΦVPOΓΝΤ

Bust of John II facing, wearing crown and loros, holding cruciform sceptre and globus cruciger

Vincent Cassel as Gilles de Rais in “The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc” appreciation post: you’re not the king yet but you will be soon [part 2]

Charles VII: How did you know who I am?

John II: Her voices, of course.

Gilles: “That’s him,” — they said. — “The one in the corner with the big nose.”

Jeanne: /runs to the king/

Everyone: /panics/

Gilles, John II and La Hire: [Ahhh, she touched the king, we’ll kill her!]

Charles VII: /stops them/