Theodore Eirenikos hypatos ton philosophon and priest (thirteenth century)
| Accession number | BZS 1955.1.4065 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 40 mm |
| Field diameter | 35 mm |
| Condition | Broken along one side. |
| Previous Editions | Laurent, Corpus V/2, no. 1180. |
Obverse
The Mother of God enthroned holding the Child in her lap. Above, on either side, the sigla: Θ. Μή(τη)ρ Θ(εο)[ῦ]. On the left, St. Theodore Tiron, nimbed and wearing a cloak, holds his hands in supplication. Inscription: Ο|Τ|.||Ν. Ὁ τ[ί]ρων. Remains of a figure standing to the right, presumably St. Theodore Stratelates. Border of dots.
Reverse
Inscription of five lines, a cross above and decorations below. Border of dots.
ΦΙΛΟΣΟΦΝ
ΥΠΤΟΣΦΡΣ
ΡΦΕΙΕΙΡΗΝΙ
ΝΘΕΟΡΟΝ
ΤΟ.ΛΕΥΙΤΗΝ
.
Φιλοσόφων ὑπατὸν ἡ σφραγὶς [γ]ράφει: Εἰρηνι[κὸ]ν Θεόδωρον τὸ[ν] λευίτην
Translation
Φιλοσόφων ὑπατὸν ἡ σφραγὶς γράφει: Εἰρηνικὸν Θεόδωρον τὸν λευίτην.
Inscribed on the seal is the name of the consul of philosophers: it is the priest Theodore Eirenikos.
| Accession number | BZS 1955.1.4065 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 40 mm |
| Field diameter | 35 mm |
| Condition | Broken along one side. |
| Previous Editions | Laurent, Corpus V/2, no. 1180. |
| Accession number | BZS 1955.1.4065 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 40 mm |
| Field diameter | 35 mm |
| Condition | Broken along one side. |
| Previous Editions | Laurent, Corpus V/2, no. 1180. |
Commentary
Laurent identified the owner of this seal as the Patriarch Theodore Eirenikos who held the office at Nicaea between 1214 and 1216. He appears to have become a priest ("Levite") and hypatos ("consul") of the philosophers sometime between 1206 and 1214.
The inscription consists of two twelve syllable verses separated by a colon; however, the second verse does not scan as a proper dodecasyllable. Nevertheless, Theodore has drawn from three venerable traditions in blending Roman ("consul"), classical Greek ("philosophers"), and Old Testament ("Levite") elements on his seal.