Philaretos Brachamios, protokouropalates and domestikos of the scholai of Anatolikon, circa 1070-1080

ANRO-1233

Ranks & Titles: protokouropalates, domestikos of the scholai of Anatolikon
Specifications: 27 mm, 19.75 g, 12 h

Obv. Description: Saint Theodore, nimbate, standing facing, holding a spear in his right hand and resting his left hand on a shield.
Obv. Inscription: Θ / IAO/Γ,-[ΘЄO]Δ[ωP]

Rev. Description: Inscription in six lines.
Rev. Inscription: +ΦIΛA/PΕT AK૪/PΠ S ΔOM[Є]/TO CXOΛ [T,]/[AN]AT O [RP/AXAMI]
Inscr. Translation: Philaretos protokouropalates and generalissimus of the eastern regiments

Laurent, Vatican, 113
Seibt, Philaretos Brachamios, p. 289
Theodoridis 38

Leu Web 8 Lot 1762
29.06.2019

Philaretos Brachamios was a prominent Armenian general who played a crucial role in the Byzantine Empire during the late 11th century. Following the catastrophic defeat at the Battle of Manzikert in 1071, Philaretos emerged as a significant military leader, managing to maintain Byzantine control over key regions in Cilicia, Armenia, and Syria. His ability to lead and protect these territories led to his appointment as protokouropalates and domestikos of the scholai of Anatolikon, reflecting his importance in the military and administrative spheres of the eastern provinces.

Philaretos operated with a degree of autonomy, effectively acting as a semi-independent warlord, while still maintaining loyalty to the Byzantine emperor. His command over the scholai of Anatolikon was vital in defending the empire's eastern borders from the Seljuk Turks and other threats.

This seal, dating from circa 1070 to 1080, is an important artifact that underscores Philaretos's high status and influence within the Byzantine military hierarchy. Although struck somewhat off-center on an irregular flan and bearing a graffito on the reverse, the seal is in about very fine condition, providing valuable insight into Philaretos's career and the broader Byzantine military structure of the time.