Michael Stryphnos, megas doux (1195-1203)
Obverse
St. Theodore (left) and St. Hyakinthos standing on either side of a tree. St. Theodore holds a spear and shield, while St. Hyakinthos swings an axe at the tree. Sigla: |θ|ε|ο|||ρ|οσi||k|in|θ|.. : ὁ ἅ(γιος) Θεόδωρος /ὁ ἅ(γιος) Ἱάκινθ[ος]. Border of dots.
Reverse
Inscription of six lines, a cross above and a decoration below. Border of dots.
κοσμε
γλμιχηλ
γρνκυροσ
υγουελ
ησσυζυγ
θεορσ
Δουκὸς μεγάλου Μιχαὴλ γραφῶν κῦρος αὐγουσταδέλφης συζύγου Θεοδώρας
Obverse
St. Theodore (left) and St. Hyakinthos standing on either side of a tree. St. Theodore holds a spear and shield, while St. Hyakinthos swings an axe at the tree. Sigla: |θ|ε|ο|||ρ|οσi||k|in|θ|.. : ὁ ἅ(γιος) Θεόδωρος /ὁ ἅ(γιος) Ἱάκινθ[ος]. Border of dots.
Reverse
Inscription of six lines, a cross above and a decoration below. Border of dots.
κοσμε
γλμιχηλ
γρνκυροσ
υγουελ
ησσυζυγ
θεορσ
Δουκὸς μεγάλου Μιχαὴλ γραφῶν κῦρος αὐγουσταδέλφης συζύγου Θεοδώρας
| Accession number | BZS.1947.2.1092 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 45.0 mm; field: 33.0 mm |
| Previous Editions | Oikonomides, Dated Seals, no. 126; cf. Wassiliou-Seibt, Siegel mit metrischen Legenden I, no. 658 (with parallels and references). |
Translation
Δουκὸς μεγάλου Μιχαὴλ γραφῶν κῦρος αὐγουσταδέλφης συζύγου Θεοδώρας.
The authorisation of the letters of the grand doux Michael, husband of Theodora, sister of the empress.
Commentary
The inscription consists of two twelve-syllable verses.
The identity of the seal's owner is confirmed by his reference to his status as husband of the empress's sister, in this case Theodora, sister of Euphrosyne Doukaina, wife of Alexios III Angelos (1195-1203). The rare depiction of St. Hyakinthos of Amastris (martyred for felling an elm tree sacred to local pagans), is found on other seals of Michael Stryphnos and offers further proof that he was the owner of this and the other specimens listed below.