Basileios Machetarios, hypatos and krites, 11th century. Seal (Lead, 30 mm, 20.30 g, 12 h). MHP - ΘV Nimbate Theotokos “Nikopoios”, holding medallion of Christ with both hands prayer. Rev. +ΘKЄ R,Θ, / RACIΛЄIⲰ / VΠATⲰ S KPI/TI TⲰ MAXH/TAPIⲰ in five lines. BBÖ p. 37, note 54. Laurent, Vatican 129. An interesting seal of a major Byzantine judicial official. Minor breakage along the channel, otherwise, very fine.



The owner of this seal belonged to the Machetares family (also spelled Machetarios), which was of Armenian origin. A seal at Dumbarton Oaks, likely belonging to him, attests to his promotion to vestes and his appointment as judge and katepano of Melitene and Lykandos. He is also known to have corresponded with the well-known archbishop and scholar Theophylaktos of Ohrid.