Sale: Triton XI, Lot: 1138. Estimate $200.  Closing Date: Monday, 7 January 2008.  Sold For $200. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Ephimianos. Imperial spatharos and epi tou manglabiou, late 9th-early 10th century. PB Seal (25mm, 15.89 g, 12h). KE ROHQH Tw Cw DOVLw, patriarchal cross on three steps / +EFHMH/ANw R’ CPA/[Q]AP’ S EPI T/ M[A]GLA’ in four lines; • + • above. Cf. BLS II 91 (for similar type); DOCBS -; Seyrig -; Vatican -; Orghidan-; Jordanov -. Good VF, tan patina.

From the Robert E. Hecht Collection.

An epi tou manglabiou was a commander of the manglabites, or the imperial bodygaurd. The manglabites’ accessibility to the emperor made them both influential and dangerous. One author writing in the late 11th century admonished that, “the foreigners and Romans on guard around the imperial court should not be late in getting paid but should each receive their provisions, fodder, and pay each month safe and sound without fail. Honor them and they shall not plot against you.” (Kekaumenos, Strategikon, 80) The unit was disbanded by the 12th century, after several conspiracies of the manglabites had been revealed.