Azazios imperial spatharios and tourmarches of the Macedonians (eighth/ninth centuries)
Obverse
Cruciform invocative monogram (type VIII). In quarters: τσ|δλ : τῷ σῷ δούλῳ. Wreath border.
Obverse
Cruciform invocative monogram (type VIII). In quarters: τσ|δλ : τῷ σῷ δούλῳ. Wreath border.
Reverse
Inscription of five lines. Wreath border.
..Ζ
ΖΙΒˋσπ
θSτρμ
.. /τνμ
κεδο
[Ἀ]ζαζίῳ β(ασιλικῷ) σπαθ(αρίῳ) (καὶ) τουρμά[ρχ(ῃ)] τῶν Μακεδό(νων)
Accession number | BZS.1958.106.1007 |
---|---|
Diameter | 28.0 mm |
Previous Editions | DO Seals 5 no. 125.1. |
Translation
Κύριε βοήθει τῷ σῷ δούλῳ Ἀζαζίῳ βασιλικῷ σπαθαρίῳ καὶ τουρμάρχῃ τῶν Μακεδόνων.
Lord, help your servant Azazios imperial spatharios and tourmarches of the Macedonians.
Bibliography
- Catalogue of Byzantine Seals at Dumbarton Oaks and in the Fogg Museum of Art, Volume 5: The East (continued), Constantinople and Environs, Unknown Locations, Addenda, Uncertain Readings (Open in Zotero)
Commentary
The fourth letter of the final line is very likely a delta, as serifs at the base are visible. This should preclude a reading of "Makellon," which was suggested in DO Seals 5.
The reading ton Makedonon, of the Macedonians, is possible. It is used for officers of the theme of Macedonia but at dates later than this specimen (BZS.1955.1.3600 and BZS.1958.106.2457). Prof. Seibt has suggested that the owner's name might be read TZAZIW. While this is possible, the rightmost portion of the first letter appears to be rounded or slanted, not vertical. The suggested name "Tzazios" is, however, here noted.