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Theodore Doukas Laskaris, emperor and son of an emperor (1254–1258)

 
 

Obverse

St. Theodore Stratelates standing, holding a spear and shield. On either side, the inscription: .|γ,οσ|εο|.|ροσ|λ.|τη|σ : [ὁ] ἅγ(ι)ος [Θ]εό[δ]ωρο(ς) [ὁ] Στρ[α]τηλ[ά]της. Linear border.

Reverse

Inscription of six lines, a crosslet above. Linear border.


Ν̣̣Κ̣Τ̣ο
̣ιου..
νθλΗ̣Τ̣̣σκε
ισθεορο
ασκαριντον
̣σιλε
 

[ἀ]νακτό[π]αιδα Δού[κα]ν, ἀθλητά, σκέ[πο]ις Θεόδωρο[ν Λ]άσκαριν τὸν βασιλέα

Obverse

St. Theodore Stratelates standing, holding a spear and shield. On either side, the inscription: .|γ,οσ|εο|.|ροσ|λ.|τη|σ : [ὁ] ἅγ(ι)ος [Θ]εό[δ]ωρο(ς) [ὁ] Στρ[α]τηλ[ά]της. Linear border.

Reverse

Inscription of six lines, a crosslet above. Linear border.


Ν̣̣Κ̣Τ̣ο
̣ιου..
νθλΗ̣Τ̣̣σκε
ισθεορο
ασκαριντον
̣σιλε
 

[ἀ]νακτό[π]αιδα Δού[κα]ν, ἀθλητά, σκέ[πο]ις Θεόδωρο[ν Λ]άσκαριν τὸν βασιλέα

Accession number BZS.1951.31.5.1698
Diameter 33.0 mm
Previous Editions

Cf. Oikonomides, Dated Seals, no. 135; Wassiliou-Seibt, Siegel mit metrischen Legenden I, no. 96.

Credit Line Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Thomas Whittemore.

Translation

Ἀνακτόπαιδα Δούκαν, ἀθλητά, σκέποις Θεόδωρον Λάσκαριν τὸν βασιλέα.

Champion, may you protect Theodore Doukas Laskaris, emperor and son of the emperor.

Commentary

This seal was struck by Theodore II Laskaris (1254–1258), who succeeded to the throne upon the death of his father John III Doukas Vatatzes, hence the inclusion of the family name Doukas in the inscription. Oikonomides notes the unusual use of the word anaktopais (son of the emperor) by which Theodore invoked his legitimacy and claim to the throne, as he had not been made co-emperor during his father's lifetime. See also PBW : Theodoros 2.

Bibliography

  • A Collection of Dated Byzantine Lead Seals (Open in Zotero)
  • Corpus der byzantinischen Siegel mit metrischen Legenden, Vol. 1, Siegellegenden von Alpha bis inclusive My (Open in Zotero)