Nikephoros Ouranos (tenth century, second half)
Obverse
The Mother of God orans, holding the medallion of Christ before her. On either side traces of the sigla: ΜΡ - ΘΥ. Μ(ήτη)ρ Θ(εο)ῦ. Border of dots.
Reverse
Inscription of six lines, beginning with a cross, and the final letters flanked by dashes. Border of dots.
ΘΚΕΟ
ΗΘΕΙΤ
ΣΔΟΥΛ
ΝΙΚΗΦΟΡ,
ΤΟΥΡΑ
Ν
Θ(εοτό)κε βοήθει τῷ σῷ δούλῳ Νικηφόρ(ῳ) τῷ Οὐρανῷ
Obverse
The Mother of God orans, holding the medallion of Christ before her. On either side traces of the sigla: ΜΡ - ΘΥ. Μ(ήτη)ρ Θ(εο)ῦ. Border of dots.
Reverse
Inscription of six lines, beginning with a cross, and the final letters flanked by dashes. Border of dots.
ΘΚΕΟ
ΗΘΕΙΤ
ΣΔΟΥΛ
ΝΙΚΗΦΟΡ,
ΤΟΥΡΑ
Ν
Θ(εοτό)κε βοήθει τῷ σῷ δούλῳ Νικηφόρ(ῳ) τῷ Οὐρανῷ
| Accession number | BZS.1951.31.5.1509 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 31.0 mm; field: 25.0 mm |
| Previous Editions | Eric McGeer, "Tradition and Reality in the Taktika of Nikephoros Ouranos," DOP 45 (1991), 140. |
| Credit Line | Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Thomas Whittemore. |
Translation
Θεοτόκε βοήθει τῷ σῷ δούλῳ Νικηφόρῳ τῷ Οὐρανῷ.
Mother of God, help your servant Nikephoros Ouranos.
Bibliography
- Tradition and Reality in the Taktika of Nikephoros Ouranos (Open in Zotero)
- Sowing the Dragon’s Teeth: Byzantine Warfare in the Tenth Century (Open in Zotero)
Commentary
The personal seal of the well-known soldier, court official, and man of letters Nikephoros Ouranos (ca. 950-1010) who was appointed viceroy of the east by Basil II in the year 999; see BZS 1951.31.5.1576.