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Azazios imperial spatharios and tourmarches of the Macedonians (eighth/ninth centuries)

 
 

Obverse

Cruciform invocative monogram (type VIII). In quarters: τσ|δλ : τῷ σῷ δούλῳ. Wreath border.

Reverse

Inscription of five lines. Wreath border.

..Ζ
ΖΙΒˋσπ
θSτρμ
.. /τνμ
κεδο

[Ἀ]ζαζίῳ β(ασιλικῷ) σπαθ(αρίῳ) (καὶ) τουρμά[ρχ(ῃ)] τῶν Μακεδό(νων)

Obverse

Cruciform invocative monogram (type VIII). In quarters: τσ|δλ : τῷ σῷ δούλῳ. Wreath border.

Reverse

Inscription of five lines. Wreath border.

..Ζ
ΖΙΒˋσπ
θSτρμ
.. /τνμ
κεδο

[Ἀ]ζαζίῳ β(ασιλικῷ) σπαθ(αρίῳ) (καὶ) τουρμά[ρχ(ῃ)] τῶν Μακεδό(νων)

Accession number BZS.1958.106.1007
Diameter 28.0 mm
Previous Editions

DO Seals 5 no. 125.1.

Translation

Κύριε βοήθει τῷ σῷ δούλῳ Ἀζαζίῳ βασιλικῷ σπαθαρίῳ καὶ τουρμάρχῃ τῶν Μακεδόνων.

Lord, help your servant Azazios imperial spatharios and tourmarches of the Macedonians.

Commentary

The fourth letter of the final line is very likely a delta, as serifs at the base are visible. This should preclude a reading of "Makellon," which was suggested in DO Seals 5.

The reading ton Makedonon, of the Macedonians, is possible. It is used for officers of the theme of Macedonia but at dates later than this specimen (BZS.1955.1.3600 and BZS.1958.106.2457). Prof. Seibt has suggested that the owner's name might be read TZAZIW. While this is possible, the rightmost portion of the first letter appears to be rounded or slanted, not vertical. The suggested name "Tzazios" is, however, here noted.

Bibliography

  • Catalogue of Byzantine Seals at Dumbarton Oaks and in the Fogg Museum of Art, Volume 5: The East (continued), Constantinople and Environs, Unknown Locations, Addenda, Uncertain Readings (Open in Zotero)