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Xene Dalassene (eleventh/twelfth century)

 
 

Obverse

Bust of St. Antony holding the martyr's cross in his right hand. Details indistinct. On either side, traces of epigraphy: |α|ν|τν|ι|ο : ὁ ἅ(γιος) Ἀντ(ό)νιο(ς). Border of dots.

Reverse

Inscription of four lines, a cross above. Border of dots.


αλαση
εν
μεσζοι
τρσμακαρ

Δαλασηνὴν Ξένην με σῴζοι(ς), τρ(ι)σμάκαρ

Obverse

Bust of St. Antony holding the martyr's cross in his right hand. Details indistinct. On either side, traces of epigraphy: |α|ν|τν|ι|ο : ὁ ἅ(γιος) Ἀντ(ό)νιο(ς). Border of dots.

Reverse

Inscription of four lines, a cross above. Border of dots.


αλαση
εν
μεσζοι
τρσμακαρ

Δαλασηνὴν Ξένην με σῴζοι(ς), τρ(ι)σμάκαρ

Accession number BZS.1951.31.5.1583
Diameter 21.0 mm
Previous Editions

Laurent, Corpus V/3, no. 2010; Wassiliou-Seibt, Siegel mit metrischen Legenden I, no. 601.

Credit Line Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Thomas Whittemore.

Translation

Δαλασηνὴν Ξένην με σῴζοις, τρισμάκαρ.

Thrice-blessèd one, may you preserve me, Xene Dalassene.

Commentary

See also PBW : Xene 20105, which includes a reference to another seal identifying her as nun and sebaste.

Bibliography

  • Corpus der byzantinischen Siegel mit metrischen Legenden, Vol. 1, Siegellegenden von Alpha bis inclusive My (Open in Zotero)
  • La société byzantine: l’apport des sceaux (Open in Zotero)