FORVM`s Classical Numismatics Discussion Board
Antiquities Discussion Forums => Seals and Tesserae => Topic started by: v-drome on June 29, 2019, 01:47:13 pm
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Hi, all. Here is an apparently uncommon monogram on an early Byzantine seal from Caesarea Maritima. Using the names listed in the on-line Prosopography of the Byzantine World, and cross-referencing to the Dumbarton Oaks Collection, I have identified two possibilities, but no similar monograms. ISAAKIOS (Isaac) seems to be the more common name, but mostly from the 10th-12th century. I was able to see a 6th-7th century seal bearing the inscribed name, and another with a monogram for "Isaac chartoularios". I did not find seals for ALAKASIOS. Any additional information or possibilities would be appreciated. Thanks, V-drome
Lead Seal
Caesarea Maritima
5th-6th Century CE
Obv: Facing portrait, nimbate,
Mother and Child. Cross to left.
Rev: Block monogram with Greek letters:
A, C, K, Ι, O, Υ, Λ?, ?, ?,
16 x 14.5mm. 5.39gm. Axis:0
ALAKASIOS? (OY)
ISAAKIOS? (OY)
(click for larger pic)
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Hi V-drome,
I don't think you need the help of this board anymore! Again, you came up with a pretty certain attribution. This belonged to a person with the Hebrew name Isaac (Gr. Isaakios). Possibly, he was a converted Jew, or he just bore a common name of the region. Style and fabric indicate a date well before the Arab conquest, circa 2nd half 6 century to 1st half 7th century.
Best regards
Gert
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Thanks, again, Gert. It took me more than two full days to figure this one out, and I greatly appreciate your confirmation and additional info. Unfortunately, the seals I have left to work on are seeming more and more difficult due to condition and complexity. I pick the easiest ones, first! ;D
Jimi