Michael II (820–821)
Obverse
Bust of Michael II, wearing a crown surmounted by a cross and a chlamys, and holding a cross potent on base in his right hand. Details of his left hand unclear. Circular inscription. Border of dots.
ixahlas
Miχaηl bas(ileus)
Obverse
Bust of Michael II, wearing a crown surmounted by a cross and a chlamys, and holding a cross potent on base in his right hand. Details of his left hand unclear. Circular inscription. Border of dots.
ixahlas
Miχaηl bas(ileus)
Reverse
Effaced.
Accession number | BZS.1951.31.5.1644 |
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Diameter | 26.0 mm; field: 17.0 mm |
Previous Editions | DO Seals 6, no. 43.1; Zacos–Veglery, no. 50a. |
Credit Line | Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Thomas Whittemore. |
Translation
Miχaηl basileus.
The emperor Michael.
Bibliography
- Catalogue of Byzantine Seals at Dumbarton Oaks and in the Fogg Museum of Art, Vol. 6, Emperors, Patriarchs of Constantinople, Addenda (Open in Zotero)
- Byzantine Lead Seals, Vol. 1 (Open in Zotero)
Commentary
Michael II, who ruled from 25 December 820 until 2 October 829, elevated his son Theophilos to imperial colleague in May of 821. This seal therefore dates to the opening months of his reign.