Epiphanios Ma..., (eleventh century)
Obverse
Half-length of the Archangel Michael holding a trefoil sceptre over his right shoulder and the globus in his left hand. Sigla preserved at right: Χ : [Μ(ι)]χ(αήλ). Border of dots.
Reverse
Inscription of five lines, a decoration above and below. Border of dots.
ΛΣ
.ΕΟ
ΛΟΓ,ΕΠΙ
ΦΝ,ΣΠ,
Θ,ΤΜ
βουλὰς β[ε]βεο (καὶ) λόγ(ους) Ἐπιφαν(ίου) (πρωτο)σπ(α)θ(αρίου) τοῦ Μα(...)
Obverse
Half-length of the Archangel Michael holding a trefoil sceptre over his right shoulder and the globus in his left hand. Sigla preserved at right: Χ : [Μ(ι)]χ(αήλ). Border of dots.
Reverse
Inscription of five lines, a decoration above and below. Border of dots.
ΛΣ
.ΕΟ
ΛΟΓ,ΕΠΙ
ΦΝ,ΣΠ,
Θ,ΤΜ
βουλὰς β[ε]βεο (καὶ) λόγ(ους) Ἐπιφαν(ίου) (πρωτο)σπ(α)θ(αρίου) τοῦ Μα(...)
| Accession number | BZS.1951.31.5.943 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 23.0 mm; field: 16.0 mm |
| Credit Line | Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Thomas Whittemore. |
Translation
βουλὰς βεβεο καὶ λόγους Ἐπιφανίου πρωτοσπαθαρίου τοῦ Μα...
I secure the counsels and words of Epiphanios Ma..., protospatharios.
Commentary
The inscription begins with a metrical formula attested on other seals (cf. Wassiliou-Seibt, Siegel mit metrischen Legenden I, nos 207 and 208) but reverts to the standard pattern of Christian name, office or title, and family name. The abbreviation (MA) with which the inscription ends admits of too many possibilities (Makrembolites, Manouelites, Machetarios, etc) to offer any specific resolution here.