John Komnenos, sebastos (twelfth century)
Obverse
Bust of St Demetrios holding a spear and shield. Inscription on either side: |Δ|ΗΜ|Η̣Τ|ΡΙ|ΟΣ: ὁ ἅ(γιος) Δημήτριος. Within concentric borders of dots, traces of a circular inscription beginning at twelve o'clock.
Α̣ρτυΣΙΜΕΚΟΜΝΗΝ
[μ]άρτυς Ἰω(άννην) με Κομνην[ὸν σκέποις]
Reverse
Inscription of four lines, a cross above. Border of dots.
ΣΦΡΑΓ,
ΚΟΜΝΗΝ̣,
Ι̅ΗΕΣ̣.
ΑΣΤ̣
σφραγ(ὶς) Κομνην(οῦ) Ἰω(άννου) ἥδε σ[ε]βαστοῦ
Obverse
Bust of St Demetrios holding a spear and shield. Inscription on either side: |Δ|ΗΜ|Η̣Τ|ΡΙ|ΟΣ: ὁ ἅ(γιος) Δημήτριος. Within concentric borders of dots, traces of a circular inscription beginning at twelve o'clock.
Α̣ρτυΣΙΜΕΚΟΜΝΗΝ
[μ]άρτυς Ἰω(άννην) με Κομνην[ὸν σκέποις]
Reverse
Inscription of four lines, a cross above. Border of dots.
ΣΦΡΑΓ,
ΚΟΜΝΗΝ̣,
Ι̅ΗΕΣ̣.
ΑΣΤ̣
σφραγ(ὶς) Κομνην(οῦ) Ἰω(άννου) ἥδε σ[ε]βαστοῦ
| Accession number | BZS.1958.106.4132 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 24.0 mm |
| Previous Editions | Cf. Wassiliou-Seibt, Siegel mit metrischen Legenden II, no. 2498. |
Translation
Μάρτυς Ἰωάννην με Κομνηνὸν σκέποις. Σφραγὶς Κομνηνοῦ Ἰωάννου ἥδε σεβαστοῦ.
Martyr, watch over me, John Komnenos. This is the seal of the sebastos John Komnenos.
Bibliography
- Corpus der byzantinischen Siegel mit metrischen Legenden, Vol. 2, Siegellegenden von Ny bis inklusive Sphragis (Open in Zotero)
Commentary
Wassiliou-Seibt read the owner's Christian name as Constantine and gave his title as protosebastos, but it is clear on close inspection of the seal that his name was John and held the title of sebastos.