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Michael II (820–821)

 
 

Obverse

Bust of Michael II, wearing a crown surmounted by a cross and a chlamys, and holding a cross potent on base in his right hand. Details of his left hand unclear. Circular inscription. Border of dots.

ixahlas

Miχaηl bas(ileus)

Reverse

Effaced.

Obverse

Bust of Michael II, wearing a crown surmounted by a cross and a chlamys, and holding a cross potent on base in his right hand. Details of his left hand unclear. Circular inscription. Border of dots.

ixahlas

Miχaηl bas(ileus)

Reverse

Effaced.

Accession number BZS.1951.31.5.1644
Diameter 26.0 mm; field: 17.0 mm
Previous Editions

DO Seals 6, no. 43.1; Zacos–Veglery, no. 50a.

Credit Line Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Thomas Whittemore.

Translation

Miχaηl basileus.

The emperor Michael.

Commentary

Michael II, who ruled from 25 December 820 until 2 October 829, elevated his son Theophilos to imperial colleague in May of 821. This seal therefore dates to the opening months of his reign.

Bibliography

  • Catalogue of Byzantine Seals at Dumbarton Oaks and in the Fogg Museum of Art, Vol. 6, Emperors, Patriarchs of Constantinople, Addenda (Open in Zotero)
  • Byzantine Lead Seals, Vol. 1 (Open in Zotero)