Basil raiktor and oikonomos of the Great Church (ninth/tenth century)
Obverse
Cross intersected with a second cross at an angle in the shape of , with letters spelling out an invocation at each of the extremities of the cross: Κ-.-.-Θ-Τ--Σ--Δ. Double border of dots.
Κύριε βοήθει τῷ σῷ δούλῳ
Reverse
Inscription in four lines. Double border of dots.
ασιλ
ρεκτˊριυ
κ,ν,μ,τη
εκκλˊ
Βασιλείῳ ρέκτορι καὶ ὑκονόμῳ τῆς Μεγάλης Ἐκκλησίας
Obverse
Cross intersected with a second cross at an angle in the shape of , with letters spelling out an invocation at each of the extremities of the cross: Κ-.-.-Θ-Τ--Σ--Δ. Double border of dots.
Κύριε βοήθει τῷ σῷ δούλῳ
Reverse
Inscription in four lines. Double border of dots.
ασιλ
ρεκτˊριυ
κ,ν,μ,τη
εκκλˊ
Βασιλείῳ ρέκτορι καὶ ὑκονόμῳ τῆς Μεγάλης Ἐκκλησίας
| Accession number | BZS.1947.2.8 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 26.0 mm; field: 19.0 mm |
| Previous Editions | Laurent, Corpus V/1, no. 52. |
Translation
Κύριε βοήθει τῷ σῷ δούλῳ Βασιλείῳ ρέκτορι καὶ ὑκονόμῳ τῆς Μεγάλης Ἐκκλησίας.
Lord, help your servant Basil raiktor and oikonomos of the Great Church.
Bibliography
- Le Corpus des sceaux de l’empire byzantin (Open in Zotero)
- Sigillographie de l’Empire byzantin (Open in Zotero)
Commentary
Laurent points out that this Basil must have been a raiktor before he become oikonomos of Hagia Sophia, and therefore was likely an imperial appointee (of a non-cleric) to oversee the Church's property. Schlumberger published a seal of this same Basil, but without the title oikonomos (Sig, 243, n. 77). Laurent connects this Basil to that known from historical and documentary sources to have served under John Tzimiskes.