Every piece of George’s seal, from the high-quality engraving of the saint and the precise epigraphy to the Iranian-style border, marked him as an important man. This was the fashionable seal of a man who had risen high in imperial service.
As a holder of the court rank of imperial protospatharios (lit. first sword-bearer), George had senatorial status, and as epi tou Chrysotriklinou, he stood in the throne room (Chrysotriklinon, Room of the Golden Couch) during ceremonies. George could have bought this title and privilege, for at least 16 pounds of gold, or it might have been bestowed on him because of his important position in the imperial bureaucracy. As grand kourator, he was responsible for managing the financial affairs of the Imperial Monastery and its estates. This position was separate from the monastic or clerical staff of the monastery.
Image Source
- Seal of George, imperial protospatharios epi tou Chrysotriklinou and grand kourator of the Imperial Monastery (tenth century, second half). BZS.1958.106.5509
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