Aaron, proedros and doux, mis 11th century. Seal (Lead, 25 mm, 12.82 g, 12 h). Θ ΘЄ/O-Δ/Ⲱ[P]/O, Nimbate facing bust of Saint Theodore, holding spear over his right shoulder, and resting shield on his left arm. Rev. +KЄROH/ΘЄI AAPⲰN / [Π]POЄΔPⲰ / S ΔOVKA in four lines. Zacos II 353b. Cleaning scratches, otherwise, good fine.


Aaron was a son of the Bulgarian tsar, Ivan Vladislav, who made a brilliant career in Byzantine service on the eastern borders of the empire. Seal types and narrative sources mention him being doux of Ani and Iberia (in present Armenia and Georgia), doux of Mesopotamia, and katepano of Vaspurakan. Our seal mentions the dignity of proedros, which marks the penultimate stage of the prince's military career in Byzantine service. His highest attested dignity is that of a protoproedros