Mavrianos (?) hypatos (seventh/eighth century)
Obverse
Cruciform invocative monogram (type V); in the quarters: ΤΩΔ|ΛΩΣ. Wreath border.
Θεοτόκε βοήθει τῷ δούλῳ σου
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: ΥΠΑ|ΤΩ. 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.
Bibliography
- Byzantine Lead Seals, Vol. 1 (Open in Zotero)
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.