Baasakios Arsakides (Vasak Pahlavuni), circa third quarter 11th century. Seal (Lead, 19 mm, 5.75 g, 12 h). +RAA/CAKI૪ / CΦPA/Γ, in three lines; below, decorations. Rev. T૪ A[P]/CAKI/ΔOVC ("Seal of Baasakios Arsakides") in three lines; below, decorations. Wassiliou-Seibt, Sammlung Boersema, 57 (this seal). A interesting seal of an Armenian commander of Antioch and probably the son of Grigor Magistros. Minor striking weakness, otherwise, very fine.


The Arsakides (Aršakuni) family was one of the most prominent Armenian aristocratic families of medieval times. They traced their descent to the Parthian royal house of the Arsacids, which still enjoyed great fame in the Byzantine era. In her edition of this seal, Wassiliou-Seibt attributes it to a member of the Pahlavuni branch of the family, Vasak Pahlavuni, who was assassinated as commander of Antioch in 1078. He was probably the son of the famous Armenian prince and man of letters, Grigor Magistros (990-1058).