Johannes Exarchopoulos, spatharokoubikoularios, artoklines and imperial antigrapheus, mid 11th century. Seal (Lead, 21 mm, 7.74 g, 12 h). IⲰ / O - [...] Nimbate facing bust of Saint John Chrysostomos, holding patriarchal cross in his right hand and a book of Gospels in his left hand. Rev. IⲰ CΠ[…]K૪R, APT,/[K]Λ, S R ANT,/[ΓP]AΦH, O Є/[Ξ]APXO/ΠⲰΛ’ in six lines. Unpublished in the standard references. Minor striking weakness and some scrapes, otherwise, very fine.



Originally, spatharokoubikoularioi were ceremonial sword-carrying courtiers assigned to the emperor’s personal guard. By the time this seal was struck, it had become a modest court dignity for eunuchs. The offices listed in reverse legend of this interesting seal are rarely encountered on seals. As artoklines, the eunuch John Exarchopoulos was responsible for the court protocol during imperial banquets. The office of imperial antigrapheus consisted of sending the emperor's responses and letters abroad.