Gregorios Tikranes (Armenian Tigran), patrikios and strategos, 11th century. Seal (Lead, 22 mm, 6.08 g, 12 h). [M/I]-X/A The archangel Michael standing facing, nimbate and dressed as a general, holding a scepter or a spear in his right hand and a globe in his left hand. Rev. +KЄ R,Θ, / ΓPIΓOPO / ΠPI S CTPA/TIΓ, TO TH/KRANH in five lines. Unpublished in the standard references. Rough surfaces, otherwise, very fine.



Our Gregor bears the ancient Armenian name Tigran, or Tigranes. The name has its origins in the Old Persian Tigrā, meaning 'arrow' or 'swiftness.' Thus, Tigranes can be interpreted as 'the swift as an arrow.' Historically, the name evokes the many kings of the Artaxiad dynasty named Tigranes, particularly Tigranes II, known as 'the Great', who brought the kingdom to its greatest height before being defeated by Pompey - also known as 'Magnus', or 'the Great'.