Niketas Mousaraph (Arab Musharraf), 2nd half 11th-early 12th century. Seal (Lead, 20 mm, 9.12 g, 11 h). MHP - ΘV The Mother of God “Hagiosoritissa” standing to right, nimbate, both hands raised in supplication, facing the hand of God, in upper right field. Rev. ΔЄCΠOI/NA M૪ ΦV/ΛATTЄ NI/KHTA TON / MOVCA/PAΦ ('My Lady, protect Niketas Mousaraph') in six lines, decorations above and flanking the last line. Unpublished in the standard references. An attractive and interesting seal. Good very fine.



The name Mousaraph is undoubtedly Arabic. Several individuals bearing this name are known from the mid to late 11th century. The family traced its descent to Nasr ibn Musharraf, an Arab emir who initially allied with the Byzantines during their campaigns in Syria. His seal is known from the Seyrig collection (no. 395), where it depicts Saint George on the obverse, with the Arabic legend identifying him as patrikios. Musharraf constructed the Menikon fortress with the assistance of Michael Spondyles, doux of Antioch. The fortress was intended to defend the newly captured Byzantine territories against the emir of Tripoli. However, Musharraf eventually turned against the Byzantines, capturing the fortress in 1027 through a ruse and planning to establish an independent principality. Four years later, the katepano of Antioch, Niketas, captured the fortress after several failed attempts, taking over 800 prisoners, including Musharraf's family. As the seal records show, the family subsequently entered Byzantine service, primarily holding military commands.