Georgios, son of Gagik, second half of the 11th century. Seal

Georgios, son of Gagik, second half of the 11th century. Seal (Lead, 25 mm, 10.58 g, 12 h). Θ / ΓЄ-Ⲱ/P/Γ, Saint Theodore, nimbate, standing facing, holding spear in his right hand and resting his left on shield. Rev. MHP ΘV - ΘKЄ R,Θ, TⲰ CⲰ Δ૪ - ΓЄⲰPΓ, T૪ KAKIK,

The Mother of God 'Hodegetria' in a 'Dexiokratusa' form, holding Christ on her right arm and pointing towards him with her left hand. Wassiliou-Seibt, Sammlung Boersema, 59. The second known seal belonging to this Armeno-Georgian nobleman. Somewhat rough and with light scratches, otherwise, very fine.


From a European collection, acquired before 2021.

The abbreviated patronym on this seal may be completed as either Kakikes or Kakikios, both of which are Greek forms of the name Gagik, which was used by Georgians and Armenians. Unfortunately, Georgios does not give information beyond the name of his father, and therefore it is impossible to know from which ethnic group Gagik descended. Possible candidates are Gagik II, king of Armenia (1042-1045), Gagik of Kars (1029-1064/65), or the Georgian Gagik of Kacheti (1039-1058).