Michael Bourtzes, proedros and doux, second half of the 11th century. Seal (Lead, 26 mm, 12.77 g, 12 h). +KЄ RO/HΘЄI TⲰ / CⲰ Δ૪ΛⲰ / MIXAHΛ in four lines; above and below, decorations. Rev. ΠPOЄ/ΔPⲰ KAI / Δ૪KI TⲰ / R૪PTZH in four lines. Cheynet, Société p. 366 (Michael Bourtzes 22, quoting an unpublished seal in Dumbarton Oaks). Sharply struck and well preserved. Extremely fine.


Our Michael may be identified with the Bourtzes mentioned by Anna Komnene as commander of Choma and Cappadocia. A further seal, naming a Michael Bourtzes as kouropalates and strategos of the Anatolikon (Leu Web Auction 24 [2022], 3659), may likewise belong to the same individual and mark a later stage in his career. Finally, compare the intriguing seal of a Michael ‘the New’ Bourtzes (Leu Web Auction 18 [2021], 4021).