Basileios Tarchaneiotes, proedros and doux, mid 11th century. Seal (Lead, 22 mm, 11.41 g, 12 h). M/I-X/A Nimbate bust of Saint Michael facing, holding trefoil scepter in his right hand and globe in his left. Rev. +KЄ R,Θ, / RAC[IΛ]ЄIⲰ / ΠPOЄΔPⲰ S / ΔOVKI TⲰ / TAPXANI/ⲰTH in six lines. Wassiliou/Seibt, BBÖ II, 248. Very fine.


Basileios Tarchaneiotes was an important Byzantine general in the middle of the 11th century. The largest part of his career, which started in the late 1030s, is documented on seals. He rose through the court ranks from anthypatos patrikios all the way up to proedros, the latter title appearing on our seal. These dignities are always paired with major military commands such as strategos, katepano and doux. We are informed by the Byzantine historian, Skylitzes, that Basileios' military career culminated in the military command of the western armies in 1057. In this capacity, he was one of the generals of emperor Michael VI during the civil war against the usurper Isaac Komnenos. Basileios was defeated in a battle at Petroe, after which he vanishes from the historical record.