Konstantinos, protospatharios and strategos of Lykandos, middle 11th century. Seal (Lead, 28 mm, 15.46 g, 12 h). Θ / ΓЄ/O/P-Γ-HO/C Nimbate facing bust of Saint George, holding a spear over his right shoulder, and resting a shield on his left arm. Rev. +KⲰN / ΓOZHC A’/CΠAΘAP, S / CTPATHΓ, / ΛIKANΔ, in five lines. Unpublished in the standard references. A beautifully engraved and exceptionally well preserved seal of an important general on the Eastern border. Extremely fine.



The theme of Lykandos, located east of Caesarea in Cappadocia, was created in the early 10th century by the famous Armenian Melias. He began the settlement of Armenians in the region, which continued in the course of the following decades. Lykandos was first organized as a theme under a strategos, as on our seal, but later, during the 11th century, it became the seat of a katepano. It is likely that a military contingent was stationed in Lykandos, and we know of several administrative officials from their seals.