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Basil Xeros, vestarches (eleventh century)

 
 

Obverse

Two standing saints. On the left, St. Mark holding the Gospel. On the right, St. Demetrios holding the martyr's cross. On both sides, vertical inscriptions: μ|αρ|κ|ο|σ||Η||τρ|ι| / : [ὁ ἅ(γιος)] Μάρκος | ὁ ἅ(γιος) Δημήτριο(ς). Border of thick dots.

Reverse

Inscription of seven lines, a cross above. Border of thick dots.

απο
λνπρ...
τεμαρ.υρν
κλεοσ̣Η̣Ρ̣Ο̣Ν̣
σκεποιτεα
σιλειονε
σταρχ

ἀπο[στό]λων πρώ[τισ]τε, μαρ[τ]ύρων κλέος, Ξηρὸν σκέποιτε Βασίλειον βεστάρχην

Obverse

Two standing saints. On the left, St. Mark holding the Gospel. On the right, St. Demetrios holding the martyr's cross. On both sides, vertical inscriptions: μ|αρ|κ|ο|σ||Η||τρ|ι| / : [ὁ ἅ(γιος)] Μάρκος | ὁ ἅ(γιος) Δημήτριο(ς). Border of thick dots.

Reverse

Inscription of seven lines, a cross above. Border of thick dots.

απο
λνπρ...
τεμαρ.υρν
κλεοσ̣Η̣Ρ̣Ο̣Ν̣
σκεποιτεα
σιλειονε
σταρχ

ἀπο[στό]λων πρώ[τισ]τε, μαρ[τ]ύρων κλέος, Ξηρὸν σκέποιτε Βασίλειον βεστάρχην

Accession number BZS.1958.106.2872
Diameter 27.0 mm
Previous Editions

Cf. Wassiliou-Seibt, Siegel mit metrischen Legenden I, no. 125. See also PBW : Basileios 20193.

Translation

ἀποστόλων πρώτιστε, μαρτύρων κλέος, Ξηρὸν σκέποιτε Βασίλειον βεστάρχην.

Foremost of the Apostles, glory of the martyrs, may you protect the vestarches Basil Xeros.

Commentary

Wassiliou-Seibt identified the saint on the right as Theodore, but it is clear from the sigla (and the parallel seal linked to this entry) that it is in fact St. Demetrios. The reading of the inscription on the reverse has also been confirmed with reference to the better preserved parallel.

Bibliography

  • Corpus der byzantinischen Siegel mit metrischen Legenden, Vol. 1, Siegellegenden von Alpha bis inclusive My (Open in Zotero)