John Bryennios, vestes (eleventh century, second half)
Obverse
St. John the Baptist standing, holding a staff cross over his left shoulder. Inscription on either side: Ο|ι̅|ο,|ρ,|μ : ὁ (ἅγιος) Ἰω(άννης) ὁ Πρ(ό)δρ(ο)μ(ος). Border of dots.
Reverse
Inscription of five lines beginning with a cross. Border of dots.
σφρ
γισι̅
εστου
τουρυ
ενι
σφραγὶς Ἰω(άννου) βέστου τοῦ Βρυεν(ν)ίου
Obverse
St. John the Baptist standing, holding a staff cross over his left shoulder. Inscription on either side: Ο|ι̅|ο,|ρ,|μ : ὁ (ἅγιος) Ἰω(άννης) ὁ Πρ(ό)δρ(ο)μ(ος). Border of dots.
Reverse
Inscription of five lines beginning with a cross. Border of dots.
σφρ
γισι̅
εστου
τουρυ
ενι
σφραγὶς Ἰω(άννου) βέστου τοῦ Βρυεν(ν)ίου
| Accession number | BZS.1958.106.4998 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 20.0 mm; field: 16.0 mm |
| Previous Editions | Cf. Wassiliou-Seibt, Siegel mit metrischen Legenden II, no. 2460. |
Translation
σφραγὶς Ἰωάννου βέστου τοῦ Βρυεννίου.
Seal of the vestes John Bryennios.
Bibliography
- Corpus der byzantinischen Siegel mit metrischen Legenden, Vol. 2, Siegellegenden von Ny bis inklusive Sphragis (Open in Zotero)
Commentary
This seal should be attributed to the younger brother of Nikephoros Bryennios whose attempt to seize the throne in 1077-78 failed. During his usurpation he promoted John to kouropalates and Domestic of the Schools, hence this seal will date from the years shortly before 1077.