Apnelgaripes, magistros (Abul-Gharib Artsruni), 2nd half of 11th century. Seal (Lead, 26 mm, 13.79 g, 12 h). Θ / Γ... Saint George, nimbate, standing facing, holding spear in his right hand and resting his left on shield. Rev. +KЄ ROH/[Θ]ЄI TⲰ CⲰ / ΔOVΛⲰ AΠ/[N]ЄΛΓ[API]Π[H] / MAΓI[CTP-[Ⲱ] in five lines. Metcalf, Cyprus 227. Seyrig 40. Zacos II 362. A Byzantine seal belonging to an intriguing Armenian historical figure. Scrapes and traces of corrosion, otherwise, good very fine.



Apnelgaripes can be identified with the Armenian nobleman Abul-Gharib Artsruni, son of Hasan. His family was closely associated with the family of Senacherim Johannes, prince of Vaspurakan. Although being of high Armenian descent, Apnelgaripes adhered to Byzantine orthodoxy and served the emperor, Michael VII, as governor of Cilicia. One of his daughters married David, son of Gagik II, the last king of Ani. Another of his daughters married Oshin of Lampron, from whom the Huthumids descended, rulers of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia in the 13th-14th centuries.