Byzantine Pb Seal (4.99g, 21mm) Dometios protospatharios and epi toi oikeakon.
Obv: A bird, likely a peacock, walking to the right.
Rev: Inscription in four lines: Δομετίῳ (πρωτο)σπαθ(αρίῳ) (καὶ) ἐπὶ τοῦ οἰκειακοῦ.
Silimar analogy of obverse: BZS.1958.106.4467
Protospatharios (πρωτοσπαθάριος) - a dignity awarded to eunuchs (ektomiai) leaders of the palace guard, later non-eunuchs (barbatoii) to high-ranking thema commanders, senior court officials and allied rulers (from the 8th to the 12th century). In the hierarchy below the title of patrikios and above that of dishypatos with the right to sit in the Senate.
Due to the scope of duties, a distinction is made between:
- protospatharios in charge of the Chrysotriklinos (πρωτοσπαθάριος τού Χρυσοτρικλίνου), the main reception hall of the Grand Palace.