Athenogenes, 6th-7th centuries. Seal (Lead, 25 mm, 12.29 g, 12 h). AΘH/NOΓЄ/N૪C in three lines. Rev. AThh/ЄNOG/ЄnЧ in three lines. Metcalf, Cyprus I, 17. An interesting bilingual seal with a very rare personal name. Minor surface crack along the channel on the reverse, otherwise, very fine.



The name Athenogenes literally means 'the one begotten by Athena.' It is a very rare name, and its most famous bearer, Athenogenes of Sebaste, is said to have died a martyr's death around 302 AD (?) as the choir bishop of Pedachthoë in Armenia Minor. His relics were brought to Vagharshapat by Gregory the Illuminator, the founder of the Armenian Apostolic Church, and were placed in the Etchmiadzin Cathedral.