Razid (Arab Rachid), last quarter 7th century. Seal (Lead, 25 mm, 11.74 g, 12 h). Cruciform monogram PAZIΔ. Circular legend [KЄ Φ]ⲰΤΙCMOC MOV [S CⲰTHP M૪] ("The Lord is my light and my savior"). . Rev. Cruciform monogram ΠATPIKIOV. Circular legend [KC VΠЄPAC]ΠICTIC THC ZO[HC] ("The Lord is the strength of my life"). Wassiliou-Seibt, Sammlung Boersema 48, correcting earlier editions: Berlin II 211. Glynias, Prayerful Iconoclasts, no. 1. Zacos/Veglery 579. A well-preserved seal of an Arab convert in Byzantine service with a quotation from the Psalms. Struck on the usual short flan, otherwise, good very fine.



This seal belongs to a group of seals from the late 7th and early 8th centuries, which feature quotations from the Psalms in their circular legends. Our seal quotes Psalm 27. The monogram on the obverse was initially interpreted as the Hebrew name Ezra by Zacos and Veglery, despite the Greek spelling being orthographically problematic. However, in her publication of a parallel specimen from the Boersema collection, Wassiliou-Seibt corrected the reading to Razid, an Arabic name. Interestingly, several other Arab names appear in this series. Alongside Razid, we find seals belonging to Bashir, Nazir, and Iezid. All of these individuals must have converted to Christianity and entered the service of the Byzantine emperor. They were highly esteemed, holding some of the highest court ranks and the most important offices.