Michael, "the new" Bourtzes, mid 11th century. Seal (Lead, 26 mm, 16.02 g, 12 h). MHP - ΘV - ЄI[HC ROH]ΘOC MIX TⲰ CⲰ Δ૪Λ ("Mother of God - May you be the helper of your servant Michael") Nimbate Μother of God “Nikopoios”, holding medallion of Christ with both hands. Rev. MIX ΠЄΛ, / CΦPAΓHC / T૪ NЄOV / ROVPTH ("I am the seal of Michael, the new Bourtzes") in four lines, cross and decorations above and below. Apparently unpublished. Irregular edge, otherwise, good very fine.


The most prominent member of the Bourtzes family, who were of either Arab or Armenian descent, was the well-known general, Michael Bourtzes, the leader of the Byzantine forces that reconquered Antioch in 969 at the end of the reign of Nikephoros Phokas (963-969). Michael had a long and distinguished military career until he was retired by Basil II (976-1025) in 995. Our seal, however, dating to the 11th century, must belong to another member of the Bourtzes family. This Michael Bourtzes does not mention his titles, but he does call himself the "new Bourtzes", referring, undoubtedly, to his famous ancestor living in the 10th century. Cheynet, in his article on the Bourtzes family, published two seal types of a Michael Bourtzes dating to the second third of the 11th century, and attributes them to an eponymous general mentioned by John Skylitzes during the reign of Michael VI (1056-1057). Our seal may also belong to this individual