Michael Taronites, protarches and doux, late 11th century. Seal (Lead, 29 mm, 17.63 g, 12 h). M/I-X/A St. Michael standing facing on dais, nimbate and dressed as a general, holding a labarum in his right hand and a globe in his left hand. Rev. KЄ R,Θ, / MIXAHΛ / ΠPⲰTAPXⲰ / S ΔUKI TⲰ / TAPⲰNI/TH in six lines. Cheynet/Theodoridis 202. An impressive and important seal of a Byzantine military commander of great historical interest. Some sratches and cracks, otherwise, very fine.

This seal belongs to Michael Taronites, the brother-in-law of the emperor Alexios I Komnenos (1081-1118). His family traced its origin to Taron and was of princely Armenian descent. Having been a military commander for most of his adult life, Michael was promoted by Alexios to the highest court dignities, including the freshly invented rank of "panhypersebastos". Despite this show of honors, he joined the conspiracy of Nikephoros Diogenes. After the plot was discovered, the conspirators were blinded, but Michael managed to escape this fate due to the intervention of his wife, the emperor's sister. After this episode the sources remain silent about the couple. Perhaps they retreated to a monastery.