Massive Seal of the Ekdikoi of Hagia Sophia

270, Lot: 389. Estimate $500. Sold for $4000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

The Ekdikoi of Hagia Sophia. Circa 12th century. PB Seal (63mm, 167.10 g, 12h). + VПЄP AΓA ӨЄOT OKOC XЄ ROHӨЄI, the Theotokos and Justinian I standing facing one another, heads facing, both wearing nimbus crown and holding model of the Hagia Sophia between them; down the middle, A/Γ/I/A/[C/O/Φ/I/A] / + TOIC ӨЄ/O CЄRЄCTA/TOIC ПPЄC/BУTЄPOIC/KAI ЄKKΛH/CЄK ΔIK’ in six lines. BLS II 66. Good VF, some roughness.

The ekdikoi were a college of priests responsible for the administration of holy sites, and had a further judicial function, in that accused criminals who sought asylum in churches would be judged by them. The office was established by Justinian I, but did not acquire a real presence in the administration of church affairs until the 11th century.