Johannes, archbishop of Miletos, last third 11th century. Seal (Lead, 19 mm, 7.39 g, 12 h). MHP ΘV The Mother of God '“Hodegetria', nimbate, wearing chiton and maphorion, pointing with her right hand towards Infant Christ seated on her left arm. Rev. CΦPAΓI, / [IⲰ] APXIЄ/ΠICKOΠ૪ / MIΛIT૪ in four lines, topped by a cross and decorations above and below. Berlin II, 367. Very rare and of great interest. Very fine.


Even though Miletos had been one of the major cities of the ancient Greek world, by Byzantine times, it had diminished significantly in importance, not least as a result of the loss of its direct access to the sea due to silting. Very few of its prelates are known by name: our Johannes is one of only three. The others are Georgios (Wassiliou-Seibt, Sammlung Boersema 33, dated 12th century) and Sophronios (DO Seals III, 26.3, dated late 10th-early 11th centuries).