Nomos 23

BYZANTINE SEALS. Manuel Synadenos, spatharokandidatos and strategos, 11th century. Seal or Bulla (Lead, 26 mm, 9.15 g, 11 h). (OA) Γ/E-O/P/Γ Nimbate, draped and cuirassed bust of St. George facing, holding, with his right hand, a spear over his right shoulder and, with his left, a plain round shield. Rev. +KE BΘ/ TΩ CΩ Δ' ΜΑ/NOYHΛ CΠAΘ/KANΔΔ' S CTP/THΓ,T, CYN/AΔ in six lines within simple dotted border. Possibly unpublished. Hannick & Schmalzbauer, Synadenoi -. Very probably the same Synadenos as named on the seal in Dumbarton Oaks, BZS.1947.2.1291: the boulloterion of which was certainly created by the same artist. With a very elaborate and artistic depiction of St. George, product of an imperial workshop. Flan fault on obverse, otherwise, good very fine.

The Synadenoi was an important aristocratic Byzantine family which originated from Synada in Phrygia. Their existence is documented in seals dated from the early 11th century and they were very active until the 14th century, especially under the Palaeologean dynasty.