Theodotos Arsakenos, second quarter of the 11th century. Seal (Lead, 20 mm, 4.05 g, 12 h). ...-M/H/TP, Nimbate bust of Saint Demetrios facing, holding spear over his right shoulder and resting shield on his left arm. Rev. +ΘЄO/ΔⲰTO / [T,] ARCA/KHNO in four lines. Sandrovskaja/Seibt 35. Some flatness in the fields, otherwise, very fine.


Sandrovskaja/Seibt comment that the family name Arsakenos is unattested apart from this seal type. However, they connect the name to the Iranian Arsaka, associated with the Parthian royal house of the Arsacids, which still enjoyed great fame in Byzantine times. The family name Arsakides (Armenian Arsakuni) is well attested in Byzantine times, and perhaps the family of the Arsakenoi wished to distinguish themselves from the former. It is also possible that they traced their descent back to a progenitor named Arsak.