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Michael Mouzalon (eleventh/twelfth century)

 
 

Obverse

Half-length St. Michael, facing, holding the scepter in his right hand and the globus cruciger in his left. Inscription to both sides: Μ|Ι|Χ|ΑΗ|Λ: Μιχαήλ. Border of dots.

Reverse

Inscription in five lines. Border of dots.

ΤΟΝΜ
ΖΑΛΝΑΝ
ΜΙΧΑΗΛ
ΣΚΕΠΟΙΣ
..Ε

τὸν Μουζάλωναν Μιχαὴλ σκέποις [νό]ε

Obverse

Half-length St. Michael, facing, holding the scepter in his right hand and the globus cruciger in his left. Inscription to both sides: Μ|Ι|Χ|ΑΗ|Λ: Μιχαήλ. Border of dots.

Reverse

Inscription in five lines. Border of dots.

ΤΟΝΜ
ΖΑΛΝΑΝ
ΜΙΧΑΗΛ
ΣΚΕΠΟΙΣ
..Ε

τὸν Μουζάλωναν Μιχαὴλ σκέποις [νό]ε

Accession number BZS.1947.2.1210
Diameter 17.0 mm
Previous Editions

See PBW: Michael 20366.

Translation

τὸν Μουζάλωναν Μιχαὴλ σκέποις νόε.

Ethereal One, may you protect Michael Mouzalon.

Commentary

The final Ν in the family name, given on the parallel of this seal but not on this one, is superfluous according to Laurent's interpretation of the family name, in his unpublished catalogue of the Shaw collection. He thus reads the name as Mouzalon not Mouzalonas, as has been followed here.

The apostrophe to the Archangel, calling him νόε (intellect), is, according to Laurent, a reference to his role as πρώτιστε ταγμάτων νόων, as he is known elsewhere (cf. Laurent, Vatican, no. 186). It here refers to Michael as both an ethereal being, and as a guiding spirit, the intellect (in the philosophical sense).