John magistros and Domestic of the Schools (tenth century, second half)
Obverse
Bust of the Mother of God, the medallion of Christ before her. Sigla on either side: Θ̅Μ̅ : Θ(εοῦ) Μ(ήτηρ). Along the circumference, a partially preserved circular inscription. Border of dots.
ΘΚΕ......Σ̣̣..
Θ(εοτό)κε [βοήθ(ει) τῷ] σῷ [δού(λῳ)]
Reverse
Inscription of five lines beginning with a cross. Border of dots.
ΙΝ̣
ΝΗΜΓ,̣
̣ΟΜΕΣΤΙ
.ΟΤΝΣ
̣.ΟΛΝ
Ἰωάννῃ μαγ(ίστρῳ) (καὶ) Δομεστί[κ]ο τῶν Σ[χ]ολῶν
Obverse
Bust of the Mother of God, the medallion of Christ before her. Sigla on either side: Θ̅Μ̅ : Θ(εοῦ) Μ(ήτηρ). Along the circumference, a partially preserved circular inscription. Border of dots.
ΘΚΕ......Σ̣̣..
Θ(εοτό)κε [βοήθ(ει) τῷ] σῷ [δού(λῳ)]
Reverse
Inscription of five lines beginning with a cross. Border of dots.
ΙΝ̣
ΝΗΜΓ,̣
̣ΟΜΕΣΤΙ
.ΟΤΝΣ
̣.ΟΛΝ
Ἰωάννῃ μαγ(ίστρῳ) (καὶ) Δομεστί[κ]ο τῶν Σ[χ]ολῶν
| Accession number | BZS.1955.1.2769 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 25.0 mm |
Translation
Θεοτόκε βοήθει τῷ σῷ δούλῳ Ἰωάννῃ μαγίστρῳ καὶ Δομεστίκο τῶν Σχολῶν.
Mother of God, help your servant John, magistros and Domestic of the Schools.
Commentary
It is highly likely that the owner of this seal was John Tzimiskes who was promoted to Domestic of the Schools by Nikephoros II Phokas shortly after the latter's accession to the throne in 963. See the seal linked to this entry.