Abramios, patrikios (?). Seal (Lead, 27 mm, 10.82 g, 12 h), 6th-7th century. The martyrdom of Saint Thekla: female figure standing facing, nimbate, raising both hands in prayer; on her left and right, wild beasts attacking; crosses in upper left and right fields. Rev. Block monogram of ABPAMIOV ΠATPIKIOV flanked by two crosses. Berlin II 317. DOC BZS.1951.31.5.3285. Schlumberger, Sigillographie p. 26. Rough surfaces, otherwise, about very fine.


The block monogram on the reverse of this seal can be deciphered in several ways. The Dumbarton Oaks editor proposes "Paulou basilikou chartoulariou", but "Abramiou patrikiou", the solution offered by Claudia Sode in her Berlin catalogue, seems to be more elegant and therefore is the description favored here. The Dumbarton Oaks editor identifies the scene as depicting Daniel in the lion's den, as do Zacos/Veglery, with their nos. 2960-2961, depicting the same scene. However, these seals most likely show the martyrdom of Saint Thekla, as is also observed by Claudia Sode.