Byzantine Seal

[Magistros]

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?)?

[Magistros]

The obverse

[Magistros]

Perhaps TOV / B(?)AC’ΛΕW refers to a family name?

[iolkia]

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

[Magistros]

Thanks for the helpful reply Iolkia! Yes you are right, ΕΠΙCKΠ also reads as episkeptites. Would John therefore have been an administrator in Amisos?

[iolkia]

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

[Magistros]

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.

[Panathas]

The E in the S/EW is not that clear. Could we be dealing with an abbreviation of ΣΕΒΑΣΤΩ? Of the respected emperor?

Pete

[Magistros]

Thanks Pete - I suppose it’s definitely possible; as you say that part of the inscription isn’t very clear.

[Gert]

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

[Magistros]

Thanks for the informative reply Gert - the last lines are therefore more likely to read ‘man of the emperor’?

[Gert]

Yes, an(throp)ó tou bas(i)leó(s).
Regards
Gert

[Magistros]

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.

[Joe Sermarini]

Fantastic thread. The knowledge demonstrated by everyone participating is humbling.