Basil patrikios, hypatos, and megas oikonomos of the sekreton (of the church) of the Antiphonetes (eleventh century)
Obverse
The Mother of God seated on a high-back throne flanked by two archangels. Above her head may be seen the letter Θ: [Μ(ήτηρ)] Θ(εοῦ). Above the head of the angel at right: ΑΡΓ: Ἀρχ(ά)γ(γελος). Border of dots.
Obverse
The Mother of God seated on a high-back throne flanked by two archangels. Above her head may be seen the letter Θ: [Μ(ήτηρ)] Θ(εοῦ). Above the head of the angel at right: ΑΡΓ: Ἀρχ(ά)γ(γελος). Border of dots.
Reverse
Inscription of eight lines, the last ligature between horizontal bars. Border of dots.
ΘΚ̅ε
σιλει
ΠΡ̅Ι̅ΥΠΤ,Κ
λοικονο
μτσε..ε
ΤΤντι
φν..
Θ(εοτό)κε β(οή)[θ(ει)] Βασιλείῳ π(ατ)ρι(κίῳ), ὑπάτ(ῳ) κα[ὶ] μ(ε)γ(ά)λῳ οἰκονόμῳ τοῦ σε[κρ]έτου τοῦ Ἀντιφων[ητοῦ]
Accession number | BZS.1955.1.4928 |
---|---|
Diameter | 27.0 mm |
Previous Editions | DO Seals 5 no. 40.1. |
Translation
Θεοτόκε βοήθει Βασιλείῳ πατρικίῳ, ὑπάτῳ καὶ μεγάλῳ οἰκονόμῳ τοῦ σεκρέτου τοῦ Ἀντιφωνντοῦ.
Mother of God, help Basil patrikios, hypatos, and megas oikonomos of the sekreton (of the church) of the Antiphonetes.
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)
- Sceaux byzantins des Musées d’Antioche et de Tarse (Open in Zotero)
Commentary
For information on the church of the Antiphonetes, see commentary for BZS.1958.106.169.
Cheynet ("Sceaux byzantins," no. 73) has noted that we have no information for the sekreton attached the church. However, this seal proves that the church, reputedly built by Empress Zoe, was in existence in the eleventh century and, through the sekreton attached to it, was a source of poor relief at this date.