Theodore Doukas (eleventh century)
Obverse
Within the inner circle an image of the Mother of God seated on a backless throne and holding the medallion before her. Sigla on either side: μ̅θυ̅ : Μ(ήτηρ) Θ(εο)ῦ. Along the circumference, a circular inscription beginning at twelve o'clock. Border of dots.
θκεικροπαλατηκαιπρετορι
Θ(εοτό)κε β(οήθει) Ἰω(άννῃ) κουροπαλάτῃ καὶ πρέτορι
Reverse
Inscription of five lines beginning with a cross. A decoration above. Border of dots.
σκεποισ
παναγνε
θεορον
τον
καν
σκέποις, πάναγνε, Θεόδωρον τὸν Δούκαν
Obverse
Within the inner circle an image of the Mother of God seated on a backless throne and holding the medallion before her. Sigla on either side: μ̅θυ̅ : Μ(ήτηρ) Θ(εο)ῦ. Along the circumference, a circular inscription beginning at twelve o'clock. Border of dots.
θκεικροπαλατηκαιπρετορι
Θ(εοτό)κε β(οήθει) Ἰω(άννῃ) κουροπαλάτῃ καὶ πρέτορι
Reverse
Inscription of five lines beginning with a cross. A decoration above. Border of dots.
σκεποισ
παναγνε
θεορον
τον
καν
σκέποις, πάναγνε, Θεόδωρον τὸν Δούκαν
| Accession number | BZS.1955.1.4522 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 24.0 mm; field: 19.0 mm |
| Previous Editions | Cf. Wassiliou-Seibt, Siegel mit metrischen Legenden II, no. 2145. |
Translation
Θεοτόκε βοήθει Ἰωάννῃ κουροπαλάτῃ καὶ πρέτορι. σκέποις, πάναγνε, Θεόδωρον τὸν Δούκαν.
Mother of God, help the kouropalates and praitor John. All-holy One, may you protect Theodore Doukas.
Bibliography
- Corpus der byzantinischen Siegel mit metrischen Legenden, Vol. 2, Siegellegenden von Ny bis inklusive Sphragis (Open in Zotero)
Commentary
This is an unusual seal in that it records a different name on either side. We follow Wassiliou-Seibt's lead in assuming that the Theodore Doukas named in the metrical invocation on the reverse was a proxy acting on behalf of the kouropalates and praitor John named on the obverse.