Basilakes Phloros, vestes and katepano of Kars and Iberia, 3rd quarter 11th century. Seal (Lead, 22 mm, 10.64 g, 11 h). Nimbate Mother of God seated on a high-backed throne, holding medallion of Christ on her chest. Rev. +KЄ R,Θ, / [RA]CIΛAKH / [R]ЄCTH S KA/[T]ЄΠANⲰ KAP/CH S IRHPIA/C TⲰ ΦΛO/PⲰ in seven lines. Zacos Sale II (Spink 132), lot 119. An extremely rare seal of great interest to both Armenian and Byzantine history. Irregular flan and some surface roughness, otherwise, good very fine.



Following the submission of King Gagik-Abas of Kars (distinct from Gagik II of Armenia) to the Byzantine Empire in 1064, prompted by the threat of the Seljuk Turks, the region was incorporated into Byzantine territory and placed under the governance of a katepano. The first appointed commander overseeing Kars and Iberia was the vestes Basilakes Phloros, to whom our seal is attributed. Byzantine historian Nikephoros Bryennios records that Phloros was the father of the renowned Nikephoros Basilakes, who later ascended to the imperial throne after overthrowing Nikephoros III Botaneiates in 1078.