George stratelates (?) (sixth/seventh century)
Obverse
Cruciform monogram. Wreath border.
γ - - ι - ο - ρ - υ - ω
Γεωργίου
Reverse
Cruciform monogram. Wreath border.
- η - λ - ο - - τ - υ
στρατηλάτου (?)
Accession number | BZS.1955.1.96 |
---|---|
Diameter | 23.0 mm; field: 19.0 mm |
Previous Editions | Zacos-Veglery, no. 340. |
Translation
Γεωργίου στρατηλάτου (?).
(Seal of) George stratelates.
Bibliography
- Byzantine Lead Seals, Vol. 1 (Open in Zotero)
Commentary
This seal is similar to BZS.1955.1.79, though here the Ο is explicitly figured (in ligature with a υ) on the top of the reverse monogram. If the reverse is supposed to read στρατηλάτου, the ρ is missing (regardless of Zacos' attempt to find it in the loop of the ο). If it is supposed to be an additional name in the genitive (Αναστασίου or Ἰουστινιάνου), the H would have to be a N, a one stroke difference. With the given letters, again, αὐγουστής is a possible but quite unlikely guess. From all the options thus possible, Zacos' reading of stratelates seems most likely, with a missing Ρ.