Basil vestes, judge of the Velum and of Paphlagonia (eleventh century)
Obverse
The Mother of God seated on a high backed throne with a medallion of Christ before her. Sigla preserved at left: ̅ : Μή(τη)ρ [Θ(εο)ῦ]. Border of dots.
Obverse
The Mother of God seated on a high backed throne with a medallion of Christ before her. Sigla preserved at left: ̅ : Μή(τη)ρ [Θ(εο)ῦ]. Border of dots.
Reverse
Inscription of six lines. Border of dots.
..κ̅εR,θ,
...ιλει
..στηκριτ,
.RηλουS
τησπαφλ΄
.ηα.
[Θ(εοτό)]κε β(οή)θ(ει) [Βασ]ιλείῳ [βέ]στῃ, κριτ(ῇ) [τ]οῦ βήλου (καὶ) τῆς Παφλ(αγ)[ον]ήα[ς]
Accession number | BZS.1947.2.128 |
---|---|
Diameter | 24.0 mm; field: 20.0 mm |
Previous Editions | DO Seals 4, no. 11.8. |
Translation
Θεοτόκε βοήθει Βασιλείῳ βέστῃ, κριτῇ τοῦ βήλου καὶ τῆς Παφλαγονήας.
Mother of God, help Basil vestes, judge of the Velum and of Paphlagonia.
Bibliography
- Byzantinische Bleisiegel in Berlin II (Open in Zotero)
- Les listes de préséance byzantines des IXe et Xe siècles (Open in Zotero)
- De Thematibus (Open in Zotero)
- Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium (Open in Zotero)
Commentary
The restoration of the last word is problematic because the abbreviations are unusual. Another possibility would be Παφλ(αγονίας) [τῷ] Ἠλ[ίᾳ], which is also uncertain and has the disadvantage of introducing further uncertainties. Be that as it may, the name of the province, Paphlagonia, is secure. We know the seal of a Basil protospatharios and judge of Paphlagonia (SBS 6, 1999, 130).