Kosmas, dioiketes of Seleukeia (ninth century)
Obverse
Cruciform invocative monogram (type V). In the quarters: .Σ|ΔΛ : [τ]ῷ σῷ δούλῳ. Triple border of dots.
Reverse
Inscription of four lines. Border of dots.
ΚΣ
ΜΑΔΙΟΙ
ΚΣΕΛΕΥ
ΚΙΑΣ
Κωσμᾷ διοικ(ητῇ) Σελευκίας.
Obverse
Cruciform invocative monogram (type V). In the quarters: .Σ|ΔΛ : [τ]ῷ σῷ δούλῳ. Triple border of dots.
Reverse
Inscription of four lines. Border of dots.
ΚΣ
ΜΑΔΙΟΙ
ΚΣΕΛΕΥ
ΚΙΑΣ
Κωσμᾷ διοικ(ητῇ) Σελευκίας.
| Accession number | BZS 1955.1.781 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 23.0 mm |
| Previous Editions | DO Seals 5 no. 6.3; Zacos-Veglery, no. 2079. |
Translation
Θεοτόκε βοήθει τῷ σῷ δούλῳ Κωσμᾷ διοικητῇ Σελευκίας.
Mother of God, help your servant Kosmas, dioiketes of Seleukeia.
Bibliography
- Catalogue of Byzantine Seals at Dumbarton Oaks and in the Fogg Museum of Art, Volume 5: The East (continued), Constantinople and Environs, Unknown Locations, Addenda, Uncertain Readings (Open in Zotero)
- Byzantine Lead Seals, Vol. 1 (Open in Zotero)
Commentary
Situated along the Arab frontier, Seleukeia was originally part of the maritime theme of the Kibyrrhaiotai, with a naval detachment commanded by a droungarios. After the Arabs took control of Cilicia in the eighth century, the region of Seleukeia was reorganized for the defense of the Byzantine borderlands, becoming an administrative and military kleisoura.