FORVM`s Classical Numismatics Discussion Board
Antiquities Discussion Forums => Seals and Tesserae => Topic started by: Magistros on August 25, 2021, 02:33:04 pm
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Hi,
I’ve been trying to read this seal, but I’m finding it a bit difficult to read the second part. Any ideas? I read:
+θΚΕR
IW EΠICK
Π ΑΜΙCOV S
…C/EW TOV
B(?)AC’ΛΕ
W
Theotokos help John Bishop of Amisos and… (of the Emperor?)?
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The obverse
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Perhaps TOV / B(?)AC’ΛΕW refers to a family name?
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Hi,
I think he is not an episkopos but an episkeptites.
So the seal would read " John episkeptites of Amisos" and then perhaps an abbreviation like ΑΝΘΡW for "man of the emperor".
Regards,
Iolkia
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Thanks for the helpful reply Iolkia! Yes you are right, ΕΠΙCKΠ also reads as episkeptites. Would John therefore have been an administrator in Amisos?
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Hi,
Yes, given our hypothesis is correct. I ruled out the title of bishop because he couldn't be a "man of the emperor". But on the other hand, I can't find an episkeptites who is also a man of the emperor either. I wish I had more books and catalogues...
Regards,
Iolkia
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I have the same issue with books/catalogues…
Although I’m still not sure of the transcription of what precedes BAC’ΛEW, as this person was an episkeptites I think that the first lines can be revised to
+θΚΕR
IW EΠICK
T ΑΜΙCOV S
Regards.
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The E in the S/EW is not that clear. Could we be dealing with an abbreviation of ΣΕΒΑΣΤΩ? Of the respected emperor?
Pete
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Thanks Pete - I suppose it’s definitely possible; as you say that part of the inscription isn’t very clear.
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I don't think that reading is possible. 1) The last 4 letters of [RA]C’ΛΕ/W, are pretty certain.2) if you would be correct, a genitive is expected which would be CERACTOV, not dative CERACTW; 3) sebastos is no longer an imperial title by this time. 'Men' of the emperor refer to him as basileus or despotes.
Regards
Gert
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Thanks for the informative reply Gert - the last lines are therefore more likely to read ‘man of the emperor’?
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Yes, an(throp)ó tou bas(i)leó(s).
Regards
Gert
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Thanks (and sorry for the late reply). I think then the following would solve the legend?
+θΚΕR
IW EΠICK
Π ΑΜΙCOV S
AθW TOV
BAC’ΛΕ
W
Theotokos help John, episkeptites of Amisos and man of the Emperor.
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Fantastic thread. The knowledge demonstrated by everyone participating is humbling.