Two Seals for the Ekdikoi of the Hagia Sophia

CNG 108, Lot: 779. Estimate $1000. Sold for $1900. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Ekdikoi of the Hagia Sophia. Circa 12th century. PB Seal (54mm, 97.20 g, 12h). The Virgin Mary and Justinian I supporting between them a model of the domed Church of Hagia Sophia; +VΠЄP[A]ΓIA ΘЄOTOKЄ ROHΘЄI around, H/A/Γ/I/A C/O/Φ/I/A down central field, C-Φ across field / – • –/+TOIC ΘЄ/OCЄRЄCTA/TOIC ΠPЄC/RVTЄPOIC/ KAI ЄKKΛH/CЄKΔIK’/– • – in eight lines. BLS II 63a. VF, earthen brown patina, some surfaces cracks, a few scratches on reverse.

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.