Theophylaktos, deacon, 6th-7th centuries. Seal (Lead, 24 mm, 8.95 g, 11 h). Nimbate, facing bust of the Mother of God holding infant Christ wearing a nimbus cruciger; crosses in the fields. Rev. Cruciform monogram ΘEOΦVΛAKTOV ΔIAKONOV. Unpublished in the standard references. A well preserved early Byzantine seal. Minor breakage on the channel mouth, otherwise, extremely fine.


Complex monograms like the one on this seal often combine the name and rank of the seal's owner. At the time, it would probably have been obvious to the receiver who the sender was, but more than a millennium later, these combined monograms are difficult, sometimes impossible to solve. Theophylaktos, deacon is a likely solution, but other readings are possible as well. If the rank of kandidatos is supposed, this would open up Theophilos and Theophanes as personal names.