Michael Grispos, protospatharios, hebdomarios, judge of the Hippodrome and the Thrakesion theme, mid 11th century. Seal (Lead, 32 mm, 26.32 g, 12 h). MHP - ΘV The Mother of God 'Blachernitissa', nimbate, raising both hands in prayer. Rev. +ΘKЄ R,Θ, / TⲰ CⲰ ΔOV/ΛⲰ MIXAHΛ / A’CΠAΘ, ЄRΔO/MAP, KPITH Є/ΠI T, IΠΠ,Δ,P,[M,] / S TⲰN ΘPA[K,]/CI TⲰ ΓPI/CΠⲰ in nine lines. Unpublished in the standard references. A large and impressive seal of a high-ranking eunuch. Some marks and surface roughness, otherwise, good very fine.


A seal type with a long legend divided over both sides names a court eunuch named Michael Grispos with the titles patrikios, praipositos, vestes, epi tou koitonos and epi tou vestiariou (Berlin I 172, Sandrovskaja/Seibt p. 108, note 13), dating to the same time period. It is likely that our seal belongs to the same individual.