John Komitas, vestarches (eleventh century)
Obverse
Bust of John the Baptist with a cross in his right hand. Sigla to either side: ̣|Ι̅|.|Δ|ΡΟ|Μ, : ὁ ἅ(γιος) Ἰω(άννης) [ὁ] Πρ(ό)δρομ(ος). Border of dots.
Reverse
Inscription of four lines. Border of dots.
ΚΕ̅Θ
.̅ΕΣΤΑ
.Χ̣ΗΤΟΚΟ
ΜΙΤΑ̣
Κ(ύρι)ε β(οή)θ(ει) ['Ι]ω(άννῃ) βεστά[ρ]χῃ το Κομιτᾷ
Obverse
Bust of John the Baptist with a cross in his right hand. Sigla to either side: ̣|Ι̅|.|Δ|ΡΟ|Μ, : ὁ ἅ(γιος) Ἰω(άννης) [ὁ] Πρ(ό)δρομ(ος). Border of dots.
Reverse
Inscription of four lines. Border of dots.
ΚΕ̅Θ
.̅ΕΣΤΑ
.Χ̣ΗΤΟΚΟ
ΜΙΤΑ̣
Κ(ύρι)ε β(οή)θ(ει) ['Ι]ω(άννῃ) βεστά[ρ]χῃ το Κομιτᾷ
| Accession number | BZS.1951.31.5.1023 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 16.0 mm |
| Condition | Chipped at top and bottom of channel; blank larger than die. |
| Credit Line | Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Thomas Whittemore. |
Translation
Κύριε βοήθει 'Ιωάννῃ βεστάρχῃ το Κομιτᾷ
Lord, help John Komitas, vestarches.
Commentary
The reading of the owner's family name is not certain, but the last letter in the reverse inscription appears to be alpha. Hence we read Komitas, but with reservations.