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Mavrianos (?) hypatos (seventh/eighth century)

 
 

Obverse

Cruciform invocative monogram (type V); in the quarters: ΤΩΔ|ΛΩΣ. Wreath border.

Θεοτόκε βοήθει τῷ δούλῳ σου

Reverse

Cruciform monogram, reading Μαυριανῷ (?); in the quarters: ΥΠΑΩ. Wreath border.

Μαυριανῷ (?) ὑπάτῳ

Obverse

Cruciform invocative monogram (type V); in the quarters: ΤΩΔ|ΛΩΣ. Wreath border.

Θεοτόκε βοήθει τῷ δούλῳ σου

Reverse

Cruciform monogram, reading Μαυριανῷ (?); in the quarters: ΥΠΑΩ. Wreath border.

Μαυριανῷ (?) ὑπάτῳ

Accession number BZS.1951.31.5.2461
Diameter 33.0 mm; field: 27.0 mm
Previous Editions

Zacos-Veglery, no. 3219.

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

Translation

Θεοτόκε βοήθει τῷ δούλῳ σου Μαυριανῷ (?) ὑπάτῳ.

Theotokos, help your servant Mavrianos (?) hypatos.

Commentary

The reverse monogram of the seal is uncertain, as the letter at the left arm of the cruciform is chipped off; it seems to be a β, though that gives no resolution, though it could also be an ε or a ρ. If it is an ε, then the monogram resolves to the uncommon name Ὑμεναίῳ, while if it is a ρ, then it comes to the common name Mavrianos. Zacos incorrectly suggests Symeon, definitely not possible as a result of the clear presence of the α below. Additionally, Zacos dates the seal to the first part of the eighth century.

Bibliography