Leu Numismatik AG
Web Auction 16 22-24 May 2021
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Zacharias, magistros and strategos, 11th century. Seal (Lead, 28 mm, 10.12 g, 12 h). MHP - [ΘV] The Mother of God "Blachernitissa", nimbate, raising both hands in prayer. Rev. KЄ RO/HΘ, ZAXA/[P]I૪ MAΓI/C' S CTP/TIΓ in five lines, cross above. Unpublished in the standard references. Some flan faults, otherwise, about very fine.
Anna Komnene (135.62-63) mentions a military commander named Zacharias being killed by a blow to the chest in 1081 during the Battle of Dyrrachium between the Byzantines under Alexius I Comnenus and a Norman force under Robert Guiscard and Bohemund of Taranto. The battle began with an initial Byzantine victory, but the battle-hardened Normans eventually prevailed and routed the entire Byzantine force. Although it cannot be proven, the officer Zacharias who died in the battle may very well be the one named on our seal.
Anna Komnene (135.62-63) mentions a military commander named Zacharias being killed by a blow to the chest in 1081 during the Battle of Dyrrachium between the Byzantines under Alexius I Comnenus and a Norman force under Robert Guiscard and Bohemund of Taranto. The battle began with an initial Byzantine victory, but the battle-hardened Normans eventually prevailed and routed the entire Byzantine force. Although it cannot be proven, the officer Zacharias who died in the battle may very well be the one named on our seal.