Crusader States, Antioch, Roger of Salerno (Regent 1112-1119 AD), Follis

ANTIOCH, once a great Hellenistic and Roman city, became a key stronghold during the Crusades. Captured in 1098 AD during the First Crusade after a long siege, it was turned into the Principality of Antioch, one of the four main Crusader States. The city became a strategic frontier between Latin Christian powers and surrounding Muslim dynasties, marked by both cultural exchange and constant conflict until it finally fell to the Mamluks in 1268 AD.

Roger of Salerno (also known as Roger of the Principate) was an Italo-Norman Crusader who served as the Regent of the Principality of Antioch from 1112 until his death in 1119 AD. Roger took over the Regency of Antioch following the death of his uncle Tancred, acting as Regent for his young nephew Bohemond II.
He successfully defended the Crusader State against continuous Seljuk Turkish incursions, securing a major victory at the Battle of Tell Danith in 1115.

In 1119, facing an invasion by the Artuqid Turk leader Ilghazi, Roger chose to fight without waiting for reinforcements from Jerusalem. On June 28 he and his entire army were famously annihilated at the Battle of Ager Sanguinis (Field of Blood), where Roger was killed in action.

Roger of Salerno is also notable in numismatic history for the distinctive series of coins struck during his rule. Although he governed Antioch for fewer than seven years, two different coin types were issued in his name.

These copper coins, minted at Antioch between 1112 and 1119, reflect the continuing Byzantine influence on the coinage of the principality. They are also remarkable for including one of the earliest numismatic representations of Saint George and the dragon.

The first type depicts the Mother of God in the Orans pose, standing full-length with her hands raised in prayer. The second shows the miracle of Saint George slaying the dragon. This type may have been introduced following Roger’s great victory at the Battle of Tell Danith in 1115. Roger of Salerno was the first Christian ruler known to have depicted Saint George and the dragon on his coinage.