Ares Numismatics
Web Auction 2 28 Sep 2019
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Lead seal of Theodoros Chetames (Thoros, son of Hetoum), doux and kouropaletes, circa 1090 AD. A historically important and artistically impressive seal!
Dimensions: ... mm Weight:18.74 gr. Condition: Some strikes and a light crack alongside the channel on reverse, otherwise EF/VF. Attractive brown natural patina.
Obverse: Saint Theodore, nimbate, standing facing, holding a spear in his right hand,
and resting his left hand on a shield. Columnar inscription: O A(ΓIOC)/ ΘЄ/OΔ/OP/O/C= Ὁ ἅγιος Θεόδωρος (Saint Theodors), all within dotted border.
Reverse: Inscription in 7 lines: ῀ + ῀/ ΟΜΩΝΥ/ ΜΟΝ CΟΝ ΔOY/ΚΑ
ΚΟΥΡΟΠΑΛΑ/ ΤΗΝ ΜΑΡΤΥC/ ΧΕΤΑΜΗ ΑΡΧΟΝ(ΤΑ) ΜΕΛΙΤΗΝ(ΗC)
CΚΕΠΟΙC= + Ὁμώνυμον σὸν δοῦκα κουροπαλάτην, Μάρτυς, Χετάμη, ἄρχοντα
Μελιτηνῆς, σκέποις (Your namesake Martyr [i.e. Theodoros], the dux and
kouropalates Chetames, the governor of Melitine, protect).
The Armenian Theodoros Chetames is mentioned in Eastern sources as the first
commander of Metilene, who was installed in 1074 by Philaretos Brachamios amidst
the chaos which followed the Battle of Manzikert. In 1094/95 he was appointed 7
commander of Edessa by the Seljuks, but proceeded to gain control of the city for
himself. In 1098 he was murdered in Edessa, when the First Crusade had arrived, and
was succeeded by Baldwin of Boulogne, the later king of Jerusalem. A very important
seal of great historical interest! (cf. Cheynet, Sceaux de la collection Zacos, 34.
Sandrovskaja/Seibt p. 80, no. 48 and Leu Numismatic Web Auction 9, Lot 1363, for a
similar seal of the same person but form a different boulloterion).
Condition: Very Fine
Weight: 18.76gr
Diameter: 28.33mm
From a Private Dutch, Collection.
Dimensions: ... mm Weight:18.74 gr. Condition: Some strikes and a light crack alongside the channel on reverse, otherwise EF/VF. Attractive brown natural patina.
Obverse: Saint Theodore, nimbate, standing facing, holding a spear in his right hand,
and resting his left hand on a shield. Columnar inscription: O A(ΓIOC)/ ΘЄ/OΔ/OP/O/C= Ὁ ἅγιος Θεόδωρος (Saint Theodors), all within dotted border.
Reverse: Inscription in 7 lines: ῀ + ῀/ ΟΜΩΝΥ/ ΜΟΝ CΟΝ ΔOY/ΚΑ
ΚΟΥΡΟΠΑΛΑ/ ΤΗΝ ΜΑΡΤΥC/ ΧΕΤΑΜΗ ΑΡΧΟΝ(ΤΑ) ΜΕΛΙΤΗΝ(ΗC)
CΚΕΠΟΙC= + Ὁμώνυμον σὸν δοῦκα κουροπαλάτην, Μάρτυς, Χετάμη, ἄρχοντα
Μελιτηνῆς, σκέποις (Your namesake Martyr [i.e. Theodoros], the dux and
kouropalates Chetames, the governor of Melitine, protect).
The Armenian Theodoros Chetames is mentioned in Eastern sources as the first
commander of Metilene, who was installed in 1074 by Philaretos Brachamios amidst
the chaos which followed the Battle of Manzikert. In 1094/95 he was appointed 7
commander of Edessa by the Seljuks, but proceeded to gain control of the city for
himself. In 1098 he was murdered in Edessa, when the First Crusade had arrived, and
was succeeded by Baldwin of Boulogne, the later king of Jerusalem. A very important
seal of great historical interest! (cf. Cheynet, Sceaux de la collection Zacos, 34.
Sandrovskaja/Seibt p. 80, no. 48 and Leu Numismatic Web Auction 9, Lot 1363, for a
similar seal of the same person but form a different boulloterion).
Condition: Very Fine
Weight: 18.76gr
Diameter: 28.33mm
From a Private Dutch, Collection.