Johannes Synnaites, 2nd half 12th century. Seal (Lead, 31 mm, 24.66 g, 12 h). O / A/Γ/I/O/C - Γ/ЄⲰP/ΓI/O/C Saint George, standing facing, nimbate, holding spear in his right hand, and resting left hand on a shield. Rev. IⲰ CΦPA/ΓICMA T૪ CVИИAI/TOV in four lines, cross above. Jordanov, Corpus II 651-652 and Corpus III 2037-2038. Wassiliou-Seibt, Corpus 1075. Light scuffs and minor breakage on the edge, otherwise, good very fine.


There was a Johannes Synnaites, a monk and stylite, who corresponded with Michael Glykas, the 12th-century Byzantine scholar, theologian, poet, and chronicler. Jordanov considers it quite possible that the owner of our seal is the same individual. According to Wassiliou-Seibt, the family name suggests an origin in the city of Synaos in Phrygia.