★ Hagia Sophia ★
BYZANTINE SEAL. Ekdikoi of the Hagia Sophia (11-12th century).
Obv: Θ (EOTO) KE BOHΘEI IOVCTINIANO (V) ΔECΠ (OTHN) / (HA) ΓI A C E Φ I O .
Theotokos and Justinian I standing facing, holding a model of the Hagia Sophia.
Rev: + TOIC ΘEO CEBECTA TOIC ΠPECBVTEPOIC KAI EKKΛH CEKDIK (OIC).
Legend in six lines above ornament.
Zacos II 70a.
The ekdikoi were a college of priests responsible for the administration of holy sites, and had a further judicial function, in that accused criminals who sought asylum in churches would be judged by them. The office was established by Justinian I, but did not acquire a real presence in the administration of church affairs until the 11th century (wikipedia).
Condition: Extremely fine.
Weight: 177.30 g.
Diameter: 74 mm.
Price realized | 1'900 EUR 14 bids |
Starting price | 800 EUR |
Estimate | 1'000 EUR |