Leu Numismatik AG
Web Auction 20 16-18 Jul 2022
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Thathoul, protonobelissimos and archon of the archontes, c. 1100. Seal (Lead, 26 mm, 17.09 g, 12 h). O / A Θ/O-Δ/PO/O/C Saint Theodore, nimbate, standing facing, holding spear in his right hand and resting his left on shield. Rev. +TATO/VΛΛIC Π[P]/OTOHⲰB/ЄΛΛ O APX / TⲰN APXO/HTⲰN in six lines. J.-C. Cheynet: Thathoul, archonte des archontes, in: REB 48 (1990), p. 233-242. Zacos Sale III (Spink 135, 6 October 1999), 128. A seal of great historical importance. Very fine.
Cheynet identifies the owner of this seal of provincial workmanship with the Armenian T'at'ul, who was governor of the town of Germanikeia (Marash) under Alexius I Comnenus (1081-1118). Germanikeia held a key strategic location on the eastern border, controlling the route to Antioch. In fact, during the First Crusade, it was a resting place for the Normans commanded by Bohemond and Richard of Salerno, who recognized the authority of Thathoul as its governor. However, in 1104, another Crusader force, commanded by Bohemond and Joscelin of Courtenay, took possession of Germanikeia and deposed the Armenian governor, who retreated to Constantinople.
Cheynet identifies the owner of this seal of provincial workmanship with the Armenian T'at'ul, who was governor of the town of Germanikeia (Marash) under Alexius I Comnenus (1081-1118). Germanikeia held a key strategic location on the eastern border, controlling the route to Antioch. In fact, during the First Crusade, it was a resting place for the Normans commanded by Bohemond and Richard of Salerno, who recognized the authority of Thathoul as its governor. However, in 1104, another Crusader force, commanded by Bohemond and Joscelin of Courtenay, took possession of Germanikeia and deposed the Armenian governor, who retreated to Constantinople.