Theodoros Chetames (Thoros, son of Hetoum), anthypatos, circa 1050-1070

ANRO-1286

Ranks & Titles: anthypatos
Specifications: 22 mm, 14.49 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/C... - Θ/Є...

Rev. Description: Inscription in four lines, topped by a cross; above and below, elaborate decorations.
Rev. Inscription: NЄMOIC / THN XAPIN / [ANΘ]VΠAT[O] / XЄTAMH
Inscr. Translation: May you grant the favor to Theodoros Chetames, anthypatos

Wassiliou-Seibt, Corpus 1468
Zacos Sale II (Spink 132, 25 May 1999), 114 corr. (reading corrected by Werner Seibt in BZ 93 [2000], 397 [1536])

Leu Web 20 Lot 3137
15.07.2022

Theodoros Chetames, also known as Thoros, was an Armenian officer mentioned by Michael the Syrian as the first commander of Melitene. Installed in 1074 by Philaretos Brachamios amidst the chaotic aftermath of the Battle of Manzikert, Chetames held the Byzantine court dignity of kouropalates. In 1094/95, he was appointed commander of Edessa by the Seljuk sultan Tutus, before taking control of the city himself, successfully defending it against a Turkish siege. By 1098, Crusader knights led by Baldwin of Boulogne arrived in Edessa. Theodoros welcomed them as allies and adopted Baldwin as his heir. However, he was eventually killed in a revolt, possibly instigated by Baldwin, who secured Edessa for himself.

This seal dates to an early stage of Chetames's career, indicating his rank as anthypatos, a modest court rank. This early career phase is further evidenced by another seal that mentions his rank as patrikios, found in Leu Numismatik Web Auction 17 (2021), 3298.