Michael II (820–21)
Obverse
Bust of Michael II, wearing a crown surmounted by a cross and a chlamys, and holding a cross potent on base in his right hand. Details of his left hand unclear. Circular inscription. Border of dots.
ixahlas
Miχaηl bas(ileus).
Reverse
Blank.
Obverse
Bust of Michael II, wearing a crown surmounted by a cross and a chlamys, and holding a cross potent on base in his right hand. Details of his left hand unclear. Circular inscription. Border of dots.
ixahlas
Miχaηl bas(ileus).
Reverse
Blank.
| Accession number | BZS.1951.31.5.1644 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 26.0 mm; field: 17.0 mm |
| Previous Editions | DO Seals 6, no. 43.1; Zacos–Veglery, no. 50a. |
| Credit Line | Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Thomas Whittemore. |
Translation
Miχaηl basileus.
Michael, basileus.
Bibliography
- Catalogue of Byzantine Seals at Dumbarton Oaks and in the Fogg Museum of Art, Vol. 6, Emperors, Patriarchs of Constantinople, Addenda (Open in Zotero)
- Byzantine Lead Seals, Vol. 1 (Open in Zotero)
Commentary
Michael II, who ruled from 25 December 820 until 2 October 829, took his son Theophilos as a colleague in May of 821. This seal therefore dates to the opening months of his reign.