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Basil (eleventh century, second half)

 
 

Obverse

Inscription of four lines (likely beginning with a cross). A decoration below (and likely above). Border of dots.

.ο
...σ
.φρ̣α
γι
  

[λ]ό[γου]ς [σ]φραγίζω

Reverse

Inscription of four lines, decorations above and below. Border of dots.

  
του
σιλ,
ενγρ
.οσ
  

τοῦ Βασιλ(είου) ἐνγρά[φ]ος

Obverse

Inscription of four lines (likely beginning with a cross). A decoration below (and likely above). Border of dots.

.ο
...σ
.φρ̣α
γι
  

[λ]ό[γου]ς [σ]φραγίζω

Reverse

Inscription of four lines, decorations above and below. Border of dots.

  
του
σιλ,
ενγρ
.οσ
  

τοῦ Βασιλ(είου) ἐνγρά[φ]ος

Accession number BZS.1958.106.4078
Diameter 18.0 mm
Previous Editions

Cf. Wassiliou-Seibt, Siegel mit metrischen Legenden I, no. 1324.

Translation

λόγους σφραγίζω τοῦ Βασιλείου ἐνγράφος.

I seal Basil's words in writing.

Commentary

Wassiliou-Seibt reads the owner's name with a modern Greek genitive (Βασίλη) to keep the inscription within metrical bounds. This is a valid solution, but it is also possible that the inscription is not metrical. Hence our reading Βασιλ(είου).

It is interesting that the inscription states that the seal uses words (ἐγγράφως) as opposed to an image to protect the document enclosed.

Bibliography

  • Corpus der byzantinischen Siegel mit metrischen Legenden, Vol. 1, Siegellegenden von Alpha bis inclusive My (Open in Zotero)