Basil Xeros, vestarches (eleventh century)
Obverse
Two standing saints, St. Mark on the right holding the Gospel, St. Demetrios on the left, holding the martyr's cross. Traces of an inscription on the left: κ|ο|σ : [ὁ ἅ(γιος) Μάρ]κος. On the right: |η|Μ :[ὁ ἅ(γιος)] Δημ[ήτριο(ς)]. Border of dots.
Reverse
Inscription of seven lines, beginning with a cross. Border of dots.
πΟ̣
λνπΡ̣
τεμρυρ̣
.λεοςηρον
σκεποιτε
σιλειονε
στρχ
ἀπο[στό]λων πρ[ώτισ]τε, μαρτύρω[ν κ]λέος, Ξηρὸν σκέποιτε Βασίλειον βεστάρχην
Obverse
Two standing saints, St. Mark on the right holding the Gospel, St. Demetrios on the left, holding the martyr's cross. Traces of an inscription on the left: κ|ο|σ : [ὁ ἅ(γιος) Μάρ]κος. On the right: |η|Μ :[ὁ ἅ(γιος)] Δημ[ήτριο(ς)]. Border of dots.
Reverse
Inscription of seven lines, beginning with a cross. Border of dots.
πΟ̣
λνπΡ̣
τεμρυρ̣
.λεοςηρον
σκεποιτε
σιλειονε
στρχ
ἀπο[στό]λων πρ[ώτισ]τε, μαρτύρω[ν κ]λέος, Ξηρὸν σκέποιτε Βασίλειον βεστάρχην
| Accession number | BZS.1951.31.5.642 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 27.0 mm |
| Previous Editions | Cf. Wassiliou-Seibt, Siegel mit metrischen Legenden I, no. 125. |
| Credit Line | Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Thomas Whittemore. |
Translation
ἀποστόλων πρώτιστε, μαρτύρων κλέος, Ξηρὸν σκέποιτε Βασίλειον βεστάρχην.
First of the apostles, glory of the martyrs, may you protect the vestarches Basil Xeros.