★ Nikolaos, patrikios and katepano of Chaldia and Mesopotamia ★

Nikolaos, patrikios and katepano of Chaldia and Mesopotamia, 1st half 11th century. Seal (Lead, 29 mm, 15.55 g, 12 h). +[KE ROHΘ] - TⲰ CⲰ Δ, - [Θ / N/H]-KW/ΛA/O Facing bust of Saint Nicholas, nimbate, raising his right hand in benediction and holding book of Gospels in his left hand. Rev. +NIKO/ΛAⲰ ΠATPI/KIⲰ KAT[Є]/ΠAN, X[AΛΔ']/AC S MECO/ΠOTA, in six lines. Do Seals IV 55.10. Some flatness of strike, otherwise, very fine.

From a European collection, acquired before 2021.

The Theme of Chaldia was situated on the southern coast of the Black Sea around the important city of Trebizond, whereas the Theme of Mesopotamia lay to the south of it and was formed out of the bulk of the former Armenian principality of Taron. These were crucial border regions, and Nikolaos thus held an important position in Byzantine hierarchy.