Nikephoros, hypatos and parathalassites, 9th century. Seal (Lead, 21 mm, 10.54 g, 12 h). KЄ ROHΘH TⲰ CⲰ ΔOVΛⲰ Patriarchal cross on steps, within pearled circle. Rev. +NIKI/ΦOPⲰ VΠ/AT’ S ΠAP/AΘAΛ’ in four lines. Unpublished in the standard references. A highly interesting seal attesting an extremely rare maritime office. Some spots of corrosion, otherwise, very fine.



The parathalassites ('the one by the sea') was an official associated with coastal or maritime affairs. The office must be related to the komes of the shores (ton akton), also attested in this period. The parathalassites was tasked with ensuring smooth maritime traffic and the taxing of goods. Undoubtedly, he must also have played a role in the logistics behind military operations.