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Leo Chaldos (eleventh/twelfth century)

 
 

Obverse

The Mother of God standing, her arms upraised in supplication. Inscription: ̅θυ̅: Μ(ήτη)ρ Θ(εο)ῦ. Border of dots.

Reverse

Inscription of five lines, a cross above. Border of dots.

  
λεοντα
χαλον
παρθενος
μονησκε
π̣ο̣ισ

Λέοντα Χάλδον, παρθένος μόνη, σκέποις

Obverse

The Mother of God standing, her arms upraised in supplication. Inscription: ̅θυ̅: Μ(ήτη)ρ Θ(εο)ῦ. Border of dots.

Reverse

Inscription of five lines, a cross above. Border of dots.

  
λεοντα
χαλον
παρθενος
μονησκε
π̣ο̣ισ

Λέοντα Χάλδον, παρθένος μόνη, σκέποις

Accession number BZS.1955.1.3915
Diameter 22.0 mm; field: 20.0 mm
Previous Editions

Cf. Wassiliou-Seibt, Siegel mit metrischen Legenden I, no. 1265.

Translation

Λέοντα Χάλδον, παρθένος μόνη, σκέποις.

May you, the Virgin alone, protect Leo Chaldos.

Commentary

It is not entirely clear what the adjective μόνη means here. It may simply mean the Virgin portrayed alone on the obverse, or it may have the broader sense of her uniqueness among women.

Bibliography

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