Alexander (eleventh century)
Obverse
Bust of St John the Baptist holding a staff cross over his right shoulder. Inscription on either side: |ι̣̣|ο|δ. : ὁ ἅ(γιος) Ἰω(άννης) ὁ Πρ(ό)δ[ρ(ομος)]. Border of dots.
Reverse
Inscription of five lines beginning with a cross. Border of dots.
..
.ν.ρ̣Ον
.ικετι
.κ.πε
ο.ρ..
Ἀ[λέ]ξ[α]ν[δ]ρον [ο]ἰκέτι(ν) [σ]κ[έ]πε Πρό[δ]ρ[ομ(ε)]
Obverse
Bust of St John the Baptist holding a staff cross over his right shoulder. Inscription on either side: |ι̣̣|ο|δ. : ὁ ἅ(γιος) Ἰω(άννης) ὁ Πρ(ό)δ[ρ(ομος)]. Border of dots.
Reverse
Inscription of five lines beginning with a cross. Border of dots.
..
.ν.ρ̣Ον
.ικετι
.κ.πε
ο.ρ..
Ἀ[λέ]ξ[α]ν[δ]ρον [ο]ἰκέτι(ν) [σ]κ[έ]πε Πρό[δ]ρ[ομ(ε)]
| Accession number | BZS.1951.31.5.2946 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 23.0 mm |
| Previous Editions | This inscription should be added to the collection of metrical seals assembled by Wassiliou-Seibt, Corpus der byzantinischen Siegel mit metrischen Legenden. |
| Credit Line | Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Thomas Whittemore. |
Translation
Ἀλέξανδρον οἰκέτιν σκέπε Πρόδρομε.
Forerunner, protect your servant Alexander.
Commentary
The reading of the owner's Christian name is not certain, but it has the virtue of fitting the metre of this dodecasyllabic inscription.