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
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In his unpublished catalogue of the Shaw collection, Laurent reads the obverse name as Πάβλου.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.