Zacharias Meriases, spatharios and epi tou koitonos, 11th century. Seal (Lead, 22 mm, 12.40 g, 12 h). +CKЄΠЄ / XPICTЄ M[Є] / CON ΛATP[I] / ZAXAP[I]/AN ('Christ, protect me, your Zacharias') in five lines. Rev. +CΠAΘA/P, ЄΠI T૪ K,/TⲰNOC T, / MЄPIA/CHN in five lines. Unpublished in the standard references. Minor flatness, otherwise, very fine.


Officials 'epi tou koitonos' had duties relating to the imperial bedchamber and was therefore usually reserved for eunuchs. During the 11th century, it was occasionally also rewarded as an honorary title to important people, such as Gagik, the former king of Ani. Considering the modest rank of spatharios, it is likely that Zacharias was a courtier in the imperial palace.