Timotheos monk, imperial cleric and oikonomos of the monastery of the Oktaon (eleventh century)
| Accession number | BZS.1955.1.4945 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 26 mm |
| Previous Editions | DO Seals 5 no. 85.1b. Parallel specimen published by Zacos, Seals II, no. 768 (with misreading). |
Obverse
Bust of the Mother of God with her hands held palm outward before her. At left and right: ̅ΘΥ̅ : Μή(τη)ρ Θ(εο)ῦ. Border of dots.
Reverse
Inscription of five lines followed by decoration. Border of dots.
τιμοθ,
̅κλιρ,
κ,οικον,
μ,τ,μον,
οκτ
Τιμόθ(εος) (μον)αχ(ὸς), β(ασιλικὸς) κλιρ(ι)κ(ὸς) (καὶ) οἰκ(ο)ν(ό)μ(ος) τ(ῆς) μον(ῆς) Ὀκτάου
Translation
Τιμόθεος μοναχὸς, βασιλικὸς κλιρικὸς καὶ οἰκονόμος τῆς μονῆς Ὀκτάου.
Timotheos monk, imperial cleric and oikonomos of the monastery of the Oktaon.
| Accession number | BZS.1955.1.4945 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 26 mm |
| Previous Editions | DO Seals 5 no. 85.1b. Parallel specimen published by Zacos, Seals II, no. 768 (with misreading). |
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
- Byzantine Lead Seals, vol. 2
- La géographie ecclésiastique de l'empire byzantin, vol. 2, Les églises et les monastères des grands centres byzantins
| Accession number | BZS.1955.1.4945 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 26 mm |
| Previous Editions | DO Seals 5 no. 85.1b. Parallel specimen published by Zacos, Seals II, no. 768 (with misreading). |
Commentary
Line two on the reverse is complete, and allows the title of monk to be added to the reading of the Zacos specimen.
The main problem with the reading is that a mark of suspension seems to appear after Ὀκτάου. There is mention, in the lists of monks at the Council of Nicaea, of Niketas, monk of Ὀκτάων (Janin, Grands centres, 437 no. 87). If we postulate that the omicron-upsilon horseshoe ligature is a mistake and that the engraver should have carved an omega, then the suspension mark can be accommodated.