Gregorios Taronites, patrikios, first half 11th century. Seal (Lead, 22 mm, 6.90 g, 12 h). Traces of a circular invocational legend; in fields, [Θ ΔH]-MI... Nimbate bust of Saint Demetrios facing, holding spear over his right shoulder and resting shield on his left arm. Rev. +ΓP[H]/ΓOPIⲰ Π[A]/TPIKIⲰ / TO TAP[Ⲱ]/NIT[H] in five lines. Wassiliou/Seibt in BBÖ II, p. 249, note 70 (for an published parallel in the Zacos collection). A rare seal attributed to the infamous Armenian rebel. Areas of weakness and with some surface cracks, otherwise, very fine.


The name Taronites derives from the region of Taron in Greater Armenia. After the principality was ceded to the Byzantines in the 10th century, the name was adopted by members of the princely family who had entered into Byzantine service. Wassiliou and Seibt attribute our seal type to the rebel Gregorios Taronites, who revolted against the brother of emperor Michael IV (1034-1041) in the year 1040. The conspiracy failed and Gregorios’ companions were blinded. However, we are not informed of the ultimate fate of Gregorios himself.