Pages: 99-114

The object of the study was the ancient lead seal found on the territory of Taurica — or rather, in the Chersonesos. Its one side had an indication on the position of beneficiary and ligature of Nero’s name; the other had monogram of the first Archon of Chersonesos. These texts were made by different masters. It is noticeable that the monogram of the magistrate was executed in clear, carefully carved letters. At the same time, the abbreviation of Nero, and the indication of the position of the beneficiary are drawn very carelessly, clumsily, and set horizontally. We come to the conclusion that the seal was stamped by a modified bullotiry of the first Archon of Chersonesos. We conclude that the studied is a valuable historical source. The very fact of its existence assures us that under Nero or rather, in 63—68 BC, Chersonesos was ruled by a representative of the emperor and a locally elected Archon. We believe that this policy, as well as the Bosporus, were subordinated to the Empire. Note that the same phenomenon can also be traced by numismatic artifacts.

Keywords: Taurica, Roman Empire, Bosporus, Tauric Chersonesos, Nero, lead seal, monogram, archon

Information about author:

Michael Choref (Nizhnevartovsk, Russian Federation). Candidate of Historical Sciences. Nizhnevartovsk State University. Lenin St., 56, Nizhnevartovsk, 628605, Khanty-Mansi Autonomous District — Yugra, Russian Federation
E-mail: [email protected]