Leo Roupen, protonobilissimus (first half of 12th century), Saints Demetrios and Theodore standing, wearing military dress, holding spear and shield, in field to left and right **, rev. metrical legend in seven lines **, 13.89g., very fine

Details

Leo Roupen, protonobilissimus (first half of 12th century), Saints Demetrios and Theodore standing, wearing military dress, holding spear and shield, in field to left and right **, rev. metrical legend in seven lines **, 13.89g., very fine

Lot Essay

A similar metrical seal in the name of Leo's son Theodore II, with the title sebastos, is known (Hermitage 5733 and 6863). Leo, son of Theodore I Roupen, was from an Armenian family with a long record of Imperial service. They had contracted alliances with the Dermokaitai, and had been established in the Taurus region for two generations. Leo owed his position to the emperor John II Comnenus. He attempted to win independence for Cilicia, but he was defeated by the Emperor, captured, and taken to Constantinople where he died in 1137-38.