Skip to Content

Michael proedros (= metropolitan) of Ainos (twelfth century)

 
 

Obverse

Standing representation of the Virgin orans with medallion of Christ before her. Sigla: ΘΥ: Μήτηρ Θεοῦ. Border of dots.

Reverse

Inscription of four lines, cross above. Border of dots.

ΑΙΝΠΡΟ
ΕΔΡΟΝΜΙ
ΧΑΗΛΣΚΕ
ΠΙΣΚΟΡΗ

Αἴνου πρόεδρον Μιχαὴλ σκέπις, Κόρη.

Obverse

Standing representation of the Virgin orans with medallion of Christ before her. Sigla: ΘΥ: Μήτηρ Θεοῦ. Border of dots.

Reverse

Inscription of four lines, cross above. Border of dots.

ΑΙΝΠΡΟ
ΕΔΡΟΝΜΙ
ΧΑΗΛΣΚΕ
ΠΙΣΚΟΡΗ

Αἴνου πρόεδρον Μιχαὴλ σκέπις, Κόρη.

Accession number BZS.1958.106.1643
Diameter 24.0 mm
Previous Editions

DO Seals 1, no. 45.4. Laurent, Corpus V/3, no. 1789; cf. Wassiliou-Seibt, Siegel mit metrischen Legenden I, no. 69.

Translation

Αἴνου πρόεδρον Μιχαὴλ σκέπις, Κόρη.

Virgin, may you protect Michael, metropolitan of Ainos.

Commentary

The inscription is a twelve-syllable verse. Laurent dated this seal to the eleventh-twelfth century and attributed it to the metropolitan Michael attested in 1094 (Grumel, Regestes, no. 967; cf. Asdracha, Thrace orientale, 289). However, the epigraphy (especially the ligature ) indicates a date later in the twelfth century. We propose to identify the owner of this seal of Michael of Ainos, who attended the patriarchal synod on 19 November 1145 (Grumel, Regestes, no. 1019; cf. Asdracha, Thrace orientale, 289).

Bibliography