Theodoros Chetames (Thoros, son of Hetoum), kouropalates and doux of Melitene, circa 1074

ANRO-1282

Ranks & Titles: kouropalates, doux of Melitene
Specifications: 27 mm, 14.05 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: O / A/ΓI/O, - Θ[Є]/O[Δ]/Ⲱ[P,]

Rev. Description: Inscription in seven lines.
Rev. Inscription: [O]MⲰN[V/M]ON CON Δ[૪]/KA K૪POΠAΛA/THN MAPTVC / XЄTAMHN TO/N MЄΛITHNH, / CKЄΠOIC
Inscr. Translation: Martyr, may you protect your namesake, Chetames kouropalates and doux of Melitene

Sandrovskaja/Seibt 62
Wassiliou-Seibt, Corpus II, 1618
Zacos Sale II (Spink 132, 25 May 1999), 130

Leu Web 20 Lot 3148
15.07.2022

Theodoros Chetames, also known as Thoros, was an Armenian officer installed as the first commander of Melitene by Philaretos Brachamios in 1074. During this turbulent period following the Battle of Manzikert, Chetames held the Byzantine court dignity of kouropalates. He later became the commander of Edessa in 1094/95 under the Seljuk sultan Tutus. Chetames gained control of the city for himself, successfully defending it from a Turkish siege. In 1098, he welcomed Crusader knights led by Baldwin of Boulogne into Edessa and adopted Baldwin as his heir. Unfortunately, Chetames was killed in a revolt, possibly orchestrated by Baldwin, who then took control of Edessa.