Gregorios Taronites, magistros, vestarches and judge and doux of Optimaton, middle 11th century. Seal (Lead, 30 mm, 16.11 g, 12 h). +KЄ RO/HΘЄI ΓPH/ΓOPIⲰ MA/ΓICTPⲰ RЄ/CTAPX, in five lines, decorations below. Rev. KPITH / S ΔUKI TⲰN / OΠTIMAT, / TⲰ TAPⲰ/NITH in five lines. DO Seals III 71.19. An important seal of great historical interest. Minor breakage along the channel, otherwise, good very fine.



The name Taronites derives from the region of Taron in Greater Armenia. After the principality was ceded to the Byzantines in the 10th century, the name was adopted by members of the princely family who entered Byzantine service. The editors of a parallel example in the Dumbarton Oaks collection tentatively identify the owner of this seal type as the rebel Gregorios Taronites, who revolted against the brother of Emperor Michael IV (1034–1041) in 1040. The conspiracy failed, and Gregorios' companions were blinded. Although the ultimate fate of Gregorios himself is not known, it is possible he was pardoned and continued his career, eventually becoming governor of Optimaton. In any case, the combination of the civil-judicial office of judge and the military command of doux suggests that Gregorios held full authority over the theme.