Skip to Content

Leo (eleventh century, second half)

 
 

Obverse

Inscription of four lines beginning with a cross. A cross of dots above and below. Border of dots.

  
λο
γουσ
φυλτ
τε
  

λόγους φύλαττε

Reverse

Inscription of three lines, a decoration above and below. Border of dots.

  
του
λεοντ,
λογε
  

τοῦ Λέοντ(ος) ὦ Λόγε

Obverse

Inscription of four lines beginning with a cross. A cross of dots above and below. Border of dots.

  
λο
γουσ
φυλτ
τε
  

λόγους φύλαττε

Reverse

Inscription of three lines, a decoration above and below. Border of dots.

  
του
λεοντ,
λογε
  

τοῦ Λέοντ(ος) ὦ Λόγε

Accession number BZS.1951.31.5.33
Diameter 20.0 mm; field: 16.0 mm
Previous Editions

Cf. Wassiliou-Seibt, Siegel mit metrischen Legenden I, no. 1332.

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

Translation

λόγους φύλαττε τοῦ Λέοντος, ὦ Λόγε.

O Word of God, protect the words of Leo.

Commentary

The inscription consists of a simple yet nicely crafted metrical verse beginning and ending with the word Logos supplying two meanings.

Bibliography

  • Corpus der byzantinischen Siegel mit metrischen Legenden, Vol. 1, Siegellegenden von Alpha bis inclusive My (Open in Zotero)