Skandagoutes Tapellas, patrikios, 11th century. Seal (Lead, 32 mm, 20.92 g, 12 h). O / A... - M/I/X/A/H/Λ Nimbate facing bust of St. Michael, holding trefoil scepter in his left hand and globe in his right. Rev. +KЄ R,Θ, / TⲰ CⲰ Δ૪ / CΠANΔ[A]/Γ૪T ΠPI/K TⲰ [TA]/ΠЄΛ, in six lines. CNG 23 (1995), 1903. A beautiful piece of interesting provincial style. Minor striking weakness, otherwise, good very fine.



The meaning of the mysterious name Skandagoutes Tapellas remains unclear. It most closely resembles the Indian name Skandagupta, which means 'guarded by Skanda', but this connection seems geographically and chronologically far-fetched. The meaning of Tapellas is also uncertain. It could possibly be a geographical term indicating the origin of Skandagoutes' family, but this, too, remains open to speculation. What is certain, however, is that both names are exceptional.