Basileios, episkeptites, judge and man of the orphanotrophos, 11th century. Seal (Lead, 25 mm, 10.00 g, 12 h). MHP - ΘV The Mother of God “Hodegetria”, nimbate, wearing chiton and maphorion, pointing with her right hand towards Infant Christ seated on her left arm. Rev. +KЄ R, Θ, / [R]ACIΛЄIⲰ / [ЄΠ’C?]K,THT, K/[P]IT, S ANⲰ / [T૪] OPΦAN,/[T]P, TO… in seven lines. Unpublished in the standard references. Flan flaw and weakness of strike, otherwise, good fine.


Basil, the owner of this seal, bears an intriguing addition to his titulature: he describes himself as the anthrōpos (“man”) of the orphanotrophos. This formula, which implies a personal relationship of trust between a subordinate and a superior, most commonly occurs in connection with the emperor. Here, however, Basil emphasizes his ties to the director of the orphanotropheion, the imperial orphanage in Constantinople - an office of considerable importance and influence. It is tempting to identify Basil’s superior with the eunuch John the Orphanotrophos, who was known by this sobriquet. He was a trusted confidant of Basil II (976–1025) and a supporter of Romanos III Argyros (1028–1034).