Basil Choirosphaktes (eleventh century, first half)
Obverse
A patriarchal cross mounted on a ball. On either side, the inscription: ΙΣ̅ΧΣ̅: Ἰ(ησοῦ)ς Χ(ριστό)ς. Between concentric borders of dots, a circular inscription beginning with a cross at twelve o'clock:
..ΗΓΟΣΗΜΗΦΥΛΑΞΑΣΙΛ
[ὁδ]ηγὸς ἠμὴ (καὶ) φύλαξ Βασιλ(είου)
Reverse
Inscription of five lines, a cross above. Border of dots.
ΛΕΠΟΝ
ΤΓΡΑΦ,
ΓΝ̣Θ̣,ΤΟΝ
ΧΟΙΡΟΣΦΑ
ΚΤ
βλέπον τὴν γραφ(ὴν) γνώθ(ι) τὸν Χοιροσφάκτην
Obverse
A patriarchal cross mounted on a ball. On either side, the inscription: ΙΣ̅ΧΣ̅: Ἰ(ησοῦ)ς Χ(ριστό)ς. Between concentric borders of dots, a circular inscription beginning with a cross at twelve o'clock:
..ΗΓΟΣΗΜΗΦΥΛΑΞΑΣΙΛ
[ὁδ]ηγὸς ἠμὴ (καὶ) φύλαξ Βασιλ(είου)
Reverse
Inscription of five lines, a cross above. Border of dots.
ΛΕΠΟΝ
ΤΓΡΑΦ,
ΓΝ̣Θ̣,ΤΟΝ
ΧΟΙΡΟΣΦΑ
ΚΤ
βλέπον τὴν γραφ(ὴν) γνώθ(ι) τὸν Χοιροσφάκτην
| Accession number | BZS.1955.1.3945 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 20.0 mm |
| Previous Editions | Cf. Wassiliou-Seibt, Siegel mit metrischen Legenden II, no. 2260 (citing other editions, notably Cheynet's in SBS 11 [2012] whose reading is to be preferred). |
Translation
ὁδηγὸς ἠμὴ καὶ φύλαξ Βασιλείου. βλέπον τὴν γραφὴν γνώθι τὸν Χοιροσφάκτην.
I am Basil's guide and guardian. Know that (the owner) is Choirosphaktes by looking at the letter.
Bibliography
- Corpus der byzantinischen Siegel mit metrischen Legenden, Vol. 2, Siegellegenden von Ny bis inklusive Sphragis (Open in Zotero)
Commentary
On the date and owner of the seal, see Cheynet's comments in "Les Choirosphaktai," SBS 12 (2012), 89-110.