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Karpos (?) bishop (sixth/seventh century)

 
 

Obverse

Block monogram. Border of dots.

 - κ - ο - π - ρ - υ

Κάρπου (?)

Reverse

Inscription in three lines. Border of dots.

ΕΠΙ
ΣΚΟΠ
ΟΥ

ἐπισκόπου

Obverse

Block monogram. Border of dots.

 - κ - ο - π - ρ - υ

Κάρπου (?)

Reverse

Inscription in three lines. Border of dots.

ΕΠΙ
ΣΚΟΠ
ΟΥ

ἐπισκόπου

Accession number BZS.1947.2.404
Diameter 23.0 mm; field: 18.0 mm

Translation

Κάρπου (?) ἐπισκόπου.

(Seal of) Karpos (?) bishop.

Commentary

In his unpublished catalogue of the Shaw collection, Laurent reads the obverse name as Πάβλου. However this has two issues: first of all, this would be a strange spelling of Paul, but at least would fit it phonetically. Secondly, he is reading the Latin R as a beta, as is typical orthographically of middle Byzantine seals; however in this period, that would be very strange indeed. The reading chosen here must also be doubted, but at least seems more likely, reading the R as a ligature of a Ρ and a Κ, thus giving the name Karpos. Κάπρου (Kapros) is another possibility.