Niketas ostiarios and metretes (tenth century)
Obverse
St Michael standing, wings outspread, holding a sceptre in his right hand and a globus in his left. Epigraphy on either side: μ|ιχ| : Μιχα(ήλ). Border of dots.
Obverse
St Michael standing, wings outspread, holding a sceptre in his right hand and a globus in his left. Epigraphy on either side: μ|ιχ| : Μιχα(ήλ). Border of dots.
Reverse
Inscription of five lines. Border of dots.
θκ̅ε̅θ,
νικητ
οστιρι
κιμε
τρητ,
Θ(εοτό)κε β(οή)θ(ει) Νικήτᾳ ὀστιαρίῳ καὶ μετρητ(ῇ)
Accession number | BZS.1951.31.5.38 |
---|---|
Diameter | 24.0 mm; field: 20.0 mm |
Credit Line | Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Thomas Whittemore. |
Translation
Θεοτόκε βοήθει Νικήτᾳ ὀστιαρίῳ καὶ μετρητῇ.
Mother of God, help Niketas, ostiarios and metretes.
Commentary
This seal presents an unusual, and quite possibly unique, combination of title and office. The μετρητής ("measurer") appears to have been an official attached to the treasury (sakellion), whereas ostiarios ("usher") was a dignity conferred upon eunuchs.