Constantine Bourtzes, patrikios (eleventh century, first half)
Obverse
A patriarchal cross mounted on a base of three steps with fleurons arising on both sides. Within a border of dots, traces of a circular inscription:
......ειτσλ,
[Κ(ύρι)ε βοήθ]ει τῷ σῷ δούλ(ῳ)
Reverse
Inscription of five lines beginning with a cross. Border of dots.
κ̅ν
στντιν̣
πτρικι̣
τορ̣
τζ̣η
Κωνσταντίν(ῳ) πατρικίῳ το Βούρτζῃ
Obverse
A patriarchal cross mounted on a base of three steps with fleurons arising on both sides. Within a border of dots, traces of a circular inscription:
......ειτσλ,
[Κ(ύρι)ε βοήθ]ει τῷ σῷ δούλ(ῳ)
Reverse
Inscription of five lines beginning with a cross. Border of dots.
κ̅ν
στντιν̣
πτρικι̣
τορ̣
τζ̣η
Κωνσταντίν(ῳ) πατρικίῳ το Βούρτζῃ
| Accession number | BZS.1958.106.4304 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 22.0 mm |
| Condition | Chipped and corroded. |
| Previous Editions | Cheynet-Vannier, "Les Bourtzès," no. 4 (with commentary, in Etudes prosopographiques, 15-55). |
Translation
Κύριε βοήθει τῷ σῷ δούλῳ Κωνσταντίνῳ πατρικίῳ το Βούρτζῃ.
Lord, help your servant Constantine Bourtzes, patrikios.
Bibliography
- Études prosopographiques (Open in Zotero)
Commentary
The owner of this seal is likely to have been the Constantine Bourtzes attested as a trusted subordinate of Basil II; he was blinded, however, shortly after the accession of Basil's dissolute brother Constantine VIII.