Constantine Doukas, magistros and doux (eleventh century)
| Accession number | BZS.1947.2.1136 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 27 mm |
| Field diameter | 25 mm |
Obverse
Bust of the Mother of God with her hands raised in prayer, the medallion of Christ before her. Inscription on either side: ̅θυ̅: Μή(τη)ρ Θ(εο)ῦ. Border of dots.
Reverse
Inscription of five lines, a cross above and a decoration below. Border of dots.
θκ̅ε̅,θ,
κ̅νμα
γιστρ
δκητ
δκα
Θ(εοτό)κε β(οή)θ(ει) Κων(σταντίνῳ) μαγίστρῳ (καὶ) δούκη τῷ Δούκᾳ
Translation
Θεοτόκε βοήθει Κωνσταντίνῳ μαγίστρῳ καὶ δούκη τῷ Δούκᾳ.
Mother of God, help Constantine Doukas, magistros and doux.
Commentary
The owner of this seal will have been the future emperor Constantine X Doukas (1059-1067); the inscription supplies useful evidence for a previously unknown stage of his career.