Sale: CNG 63, Lot: 1658. Estimate $300.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 21 May 2003.  Sold For $350. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

BARDAS, Imperial Spatharios. Circa 9th century AD. 32mm Lead Seal (25.59 gm). Facing bust of St. Demetrius / "Bardas, Imperial Spatharios and Officer of the Manglabites" in four line legend. Cf. Zacos and Veglery 1760 (aniconic seal of the same officer). Good VF, brown earthen patina. ($300)

The Manglabites were the personal bodyguards of the emperor and served as his "enforcers." The earliest reference to the title is from the 9th century, and is believed to derive from the Latin manus and clava-"the hand [that holds] the club." They protected the emperor during public ceremonies and eliminated his enemies in private. The emperors eventually ran up against the old problem of "who will protect me from my protectors," and the unit was probably disbanded in the 11th century, after several conspiracies involving the Manglabites were revealed.