Joseph Tarchaneiotes, proedros and doux of Antioch, 1072-1074. Seal (Lead, 22 mm, 12.15 g, 12 h). KVPI/[Є R]OHΘЄI / TⲰ [CⲰ] Δ૪ / IⲰ[CIΦ] ΠPO/ЄΔ[P]Ⲱ in five lines. Rev. KAI Δ૪/KI ANTI/OXЄIAC / TⲰ TAPXA/NIⲰTI in five lines. DO Seals V, 9.3. A rare Byzantine seal of high historical importance. Scrapes on obverse, otherwise, good very fine.



This seal belongs to the Byzantine commander Joseph Tarchaneiotes, who served as second-in-command at the famed Battle of Manzikert in 1071. However, he did not participate in the battle, for reasons that remain unclear. His absence may have been due to a defeat of his forces beforehand, or possibly because he deserted the battlefield to undermine the emperor for political reasons. In any case, he survived the campaign and continued as doux of Antioch until his death in 1074.