Basil vestes, judge of the Velum and of Paphlagonia (eleventh century)
| Accession number | BZS.1947.2.128 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 24 mm |
| Field diameter | 20 mm |
| Condition | Corroded on one side. |
| Previous Editions | DO Seals 4, no. 11.8. |
Obverse
The Virgin seated on a high backed throne with a medallion of Christ before her. Sigla: ̅ –..: 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]
Translation
Θεοτόκε βοήθει Βασιλείῳ βέστῃ, κριτῇ τοῦ βήλου καὶ τῆς Παφλαγονήας.
Mother of God, help Basil vestes, judge of the Velum and of Paphlagonia.
| Accession number | BZS.1947.2.128 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 24 mm |
| Field diameter | 20 mm |
| Condition | Corroded on one side. |
| Previous Editions | DO Seals 4, no. 11.8. |
Bibliography
- Catalogue of Byzantine Seals at Dumbarton Oaks and in the Fogg Museum of Art, volume 4: The East
- –
- Byzantinische Bleisiegel in Berlin II
- Les listes de préséance byzantines des IXe et Xe siècles
- De Thematibus
- Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium
- Paphlagonien und Honorias
- Η Μικρά Ασία των θεμάτων. Ἐρευνες πάνω στην γεωγραφική φυσιογνωμία και προσωπογραφία των Βυζαντινών θεμάτων της Μικράς Ασίας
- Paphlagonians in Byzantine High Society
- Studies in Byzantine Sigillography
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).