Leu Numismatik AG
Web Auction 16 22-24 May 2021
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Bryennios, magistros and strategos of the Stenon, 2nd half 11th century. Seal (Lead, 30 mm, 16.63 g, 12 h). MHP - ΘV The Mother of God "Hodegetria", nimbate, wearing chiton and maphorion, pointing with her right hand towards Infant Christ seated on her left arm. Rev. ΘKЄ R,Θ, / RPVЄNIⲰ / MAΓICTPⲰ / S CTPATI/Γ T૪ CTЄ/N, in six lines; decorations flanking the cross above the legend and the last line. Cheynet, Istanbul 3.111. Struck on a blank much larger than the dies. Some surface roughness, otherwise, very fine.
This seal belongs to one of the few known strategoi of the "Stenon", which is an alternative name for the Bosporus. The region was very important to the Byzantine navy. Interestingly, the strategos of the Stenon also had the exclusive right to judge all affairs that concerned the Jews of Constantinopolis. Hence, the seal of the strategos Konstantinos (DO Seals III 73.1) also mentions a judicial office: krites of the Velon. The owner of our seal was a member of the well-known aristocratic family Bryennios, but his personal name is not mentioned in the legend. The most famous Bryennios was of course the general Nikephoros who reigned as emperor in 1077-1078.
This seal belongs to one of the few known strategoi of the "Stenon", which is an alternative name for the Bosporus. The region was very important to the Byzantine navy. Interestingly, the strategos of the Stenon also had the exclusive right to judge all affairs that concerned the Jews of Constantinopolis. Hence, the seal of the strategos Konstantinos (DO Seals III 73.1) also mentions a judicial office: krites of the Velon. The owner of our seal was a member of the well-known aristocratic family Bryennios, but his personal name is not mentioned in the legend. The most famous Bryennios was of course the general Nikephoros who reigned as emperor in 1077-1078.