Stephen sebastophoros and doux (1042-1043)
Obverse
Inscription of three lines beginning with a cross. A decoration above and below. Border of dots.
σφρ
γισστε̣
φ̣νου
σφραγὶς Στεφάνου
Reverse
Inscription of four lines, a decoration below. Border of dots.
σε
.τοφο
.ουS
κοσ
σεβα[σ]τοφό[ρ]ου (καὶ) δουκός
Obverse
Inscription of three lines beginning with a cross. A decoration above and below. Border of dots.
σφρ
γισστε̣
φ̣νου
σφραγὶς Στεφάνου
Reverse
Inscription of four lines, a decoration below. Border of dots.
σε
.τοφο
.ουS
κοσ
σεβα[σ]τοφό[ρ]ου (καὶ) δουκός
| Accession number | BZS.1955.1.4139 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 24.0 mm |
| Condition | Corroded on reverse. |
| Previous Editions | Wassiliou-Seibt, Siegel mit metrischen Legenden II, no. 2890. |
Translation
σφραγὶς Στεφάνουσεβαστοφόρου καὶ δουκός.
Seal of Stephen, sebastophoros and doux.
Commentary
The owner of this seal was in all likelihood the eunuch Stephen Pergamenos who played a leading role in arranging the marriage of Constantine IX Monomachos to the empress Zoe (in 1042) and his subsequent installation as emperor. The following year, he was entrusted with the command of the forces sent to oppose George Maniakes and triumphed over the rebel; but he was later implicated in a plot against Monomachos and was tonsured, exiled, and deprived of his property. See the commentary to Wassiliou-Seibt's edition cited in this entry.