Michael Taronites, brother-in-law of the emperor Alexios (eleventh century, second half)
Obverse
Inscription of five lines beginning with a cross, a pellet below. Border of dots.
ΓΡ
ΦΣΣΦΡ
ΓΙΜΙ
ΧΗΛ̣Τ
ΡΝΙΤˊ
γραφὰς σφραγίζω Μιχαὴλ Ταρωνίτου
Reverse
Inscription of five lines beginning with a cross. Border of dots.
ΓΑ.
ΡΜΕ
Γ̣Ι̣Σ̣ΤΕΣ
Π̣ΟΤ
ΛΕΙ
γαμβροῦ μεγίστου δεσπότου ᾿Αλεξίου
Obverse
Inscription of five lines beginning with a cross, a pellet below. Border of dots.
ΓΡ
ΦΣΣΦΡ
ΓΙΜΙ
ΧΗΛ̣Τ
ΡΝΙΤˊ
γραφὰς σφραγίζω Μιχαὴλ Ταρωνίτου
Reverse
Inscription of five lines beginning with a cross. Border of dots.
ΓΑ.
ΡΜΕ
Γ̣Ι̣Σ̣ΤΕΣ
Π̣ΟΤ
ΛΕΙ
γαμβροῦ μεγίστου δεσπότου ᾿Αλεξίου
| Accession number | BZS.1951.31.5.612 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 20.0 mm; field: 15.0 mm |
| Previous Editions | Cf. Wassiliou-Seibt, Siegel mit metrischen Legenden I, no. 453. |
| Credit Line | Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Thomas Whittemore. |
Translation
γραφὰς σφραγίζω Μιχαὴλ Ταρωνίτου γαμβροῦ μεγίστου δεσπότου ᾿Αλεξίου.
I seal the writings of Michael Taronites, brother-in-law of the mighty emperor Alexios.
Commentary
Michael Taronites married the eldest sister of the future emperor Alexios Komnenos about the year 1061 and received a number of titles after Alexios' accession in 1081. He was implicated in Nikephoros Diogenes' failed plot against the emperor in 1094 which put an end to his career. This seal will have been issued about the year 1082. See PBW: Michael 136.