Abramios, exaktor, notarios and judge of the Armenian themes, 10th century. Seal (Lead, 32 mm, 22.29 g, 12 h). +ΘKЄ ROHΘЄI TⲰ CⲰ ΔOVΛⲰ - MHP - ΘV Nimbate Mother of God “Episkepsis”, raising both hands in prayer, medallion of Christ in front. Rev. ARPAMIO / ЄΞAKTOPH [S] / NOTAP, S KPIT, / TON APMЄNIK, / ΘЄMATON in five lines. Unpublished in the standard references. A beautidully designed and highly impressive seal of a major judicial official on the eastern border. Good very fine.



The Armenian Themes, not to be confused with the Armeniakon theme in northern Asia Minor, comprised a network of several small regions along the eastern border of the empire, mostly fortresses with their hinterland. These districts were under the command of tourmarchai and minor strategoi, and in the 11th century, we even find a general strategos of all the 'Armenian Themes'. Most of the seals belonging to fiscal officials, judges and bureaucrats serving in the Armenian Themes belong to this period.