Byzantine Lead Seals and Other Minor Objects from Mystras: New Historical Evidence for the Region of Byzantine Lakedaimon

A recent analysis of Byzantine lead seals from Mystras, stored in the Museum of Mystras depots, reveals new historical insights into the region of Byzantine Lakedaimon. Among the findings is a seal naming Michael Barys, likely bishop of Helos, and another belonging to an imperial protospatharios and tourmarches Spartaron Ioannes, providing evidence for a military unit that evokes ancient Spartan prowess. Additionally, a seal linked to Petros Serblias, a vestarches and judge, sheds light on his career progression. The study also presents four metallic plates from the Upper Gate of Mystras' castle, identified as caps for theriaca bottles, an antiseptic medicine. Two seals were discovered in a Byzantine olive-press, suggesting urban expansion in Sparta between the 10th and 12th centuries.

Stavrakos, C. (2010). Byzantine Lead Seals and Other Minor Objects from Mystras: New Historical Evidence for the Region of Byzantine Lakedaimon. Byzantinische Zeitschrift, 103(1), 129–143. https://doi.org/10.1515/byzs.2010.010