Theognostos, imperial spatharokandidatos and kleisouriarches of Seleukeia, later 9th century-circa 927-934. Seal (Lead, 23 mm, 6.86 g, 11 h). +KЄ ROH[...]Ⲱ CⲰ Δ૪Λ, ("Lord, help your servant") Patriarchal cross on steps with floral ornaments springing from base. Rev. +ΘЄO[Γ]/NⲰCT, R'CΠ/AΘ'KANΔ' S K/ΛHC૪PIAP' C/ЄΛЄVK' in five lines. Unpublished in the standard references. Struck slightly off center, otherwise, good very fine.


Seleukeia was organized as a "kleisoura", under the command of a kleisouriarches, after Cilicia was lost to the Arabs in the 8th century. Some time during the reign of Romanos I (927-934), it was elevated to a theme. From this time on, its commander was a strategos.