Maria Bourtzaina, the former hetaireiarchissa, mid 11th century. Seal (Lead, 21 mm, 10.30 g, 7 h). The Mother of God 'Hodegetria', nimbate, wearing chiton and maphorion, pointing with her right hand towards Infant Christ seated on her left arm. Rev. [...MAPIA / TH Γ]ЄΓONVA / [ЄTЄ]PAPXIC, / [T]H ROVP/ZAINA in six lines. Cheynet, Kofopoulos 2.217. An extremely rare seal of a Byzantine noblewoman. Struck slightly off centre on a short flan, otherwise, very fine.


This intriguing seal belongs to a Byzantine noblewoman of the Bourtzes family, who were very prominent from the second half of the 11th century to the time of Alexios I Komnenos (1081-1118). The reverse legend tells us that her husband was once a hetaireiarches. It is very unusual that she mentions her husband's office (as commander of the elite imperial bodyguard), and not, as usual, his court dignity, which was less subject to change. Perhaps Maria's husband had held this important position for a long time, or he was known for a particular event that occured whilst being in office. As Cheynet notes, this legend is very curious, as even male office holders almost never mention their former positions.