In 629 AD, East Roman Emperor Heraclius replaced Latin and introduced Hellenic as the official language of the Empire.
From Alexander the Great onwards (330 BC), Hellenic became the foremost language of communication in the Eastern Mediterranean world. Known as Koine (= common), this dialect of Hellenic underwent certain changes as of 1st-2nd century A.D., such as the pronunciation of β (beta) as “v”; η (eta) as “i”, or the αι (= ai) diphthong as ε (epsilon). At the end of such changes that lasted several centuries, both written and spoken Hellenic evolved and gave birth to a language that strongly resembles its present-day counterpart. For example, formerly read as “Basileus” in its Latin transcription, Βασιλεύς, was now pronounced as “Vasilevs.” Such changes, though smaller, occurred not only in pronunciation, but also in the shape of letters as of 3rd century AD.
In 629 AD, East Roman Emperor Heraclius replaced Latin and introduced Hellenic as the official language of the Empire. Once Hellenic attained this official status and Christianity was embraced in almost all parts of the empire, Hellenic became the language of the East Roman people. After all, the different nationalities living within the Empire were required to speak this language in order to read and understand the Bible written in Hellenic. Thus, Hellenic became the daily language of all the ethnic groups living in the East Mediterranean basin, the north and south of the Black Sea, and the Middle East.
Seal of Solomon
Place of Discovery: Unknown
Language: Hellenic
Date: Early Byzantine, 4th-6th century AD
Material: Bronze
Rezan Has Museum Collection
†Σφρ-
αγὶς Σολ-
ομο̑ν(ος) βο-
ήθι το̑ φ-
ορο̑ντ-
ι
“The Seal of Solomon. (Oh Lord) help the person carrying (this seal)!”
Nearly 70,000 seals have survived to date from the Byzantines, who began manufacturing them in 4th-5th centuries. The word sigillography used in reference to the study of seals is derived from the Latin word “sigillum,” meaning seal.
Polycandelon Votive Offering for Theoktistos
Place of Discovery: Unknown
Language: Hellenic
Date: Early Byzantine, 4th-6th century AD
Material: Bronze
Rezan Has Museum Collection
†ὑπερὶ εὐχῆς Θεοκτίστου Κυριάδου.
“For the well-being of Theoktistos, the son of Kyriades.”
Featuring a votive inscription, the polycandelon is a suspended float wick lamp of six holders. Made of stone, terracotta, and metal, the polycandela were used for lighting, and as votive offerings and tomb gifts throughout the centuries.
Lighting Device of Nikephoros
Place of Discovery: Unknown
Language: Hellenic
Date: 10th-11th century A.D.
Material: Bronze
Rezan Has Museum Collection
Κ(ύρι)ε βοήθη τῷ σῷ δούλῳ Νικηφόρῳ βασηλεικῷ
[_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _]δάτῳ καὶ πρωτονοταρίῳ τῶν Βουκελλαρίων
“Lord aid your servant Nikephoros imperial spatharokandidatos and protonotarios of Boukellarion!”
Votive Offering for Georgios and Polykhronios
Place of Discovery: Unknown
Language: Hellenic
Date: Early Byzantine (4th-6th century A.D.)
Material: Bronze
Rezan Has Museum Collection
† ὑπὲρ εὐχῆς Γεοργίου κὲ Πολυχρονίου.
“For the well-being of Georgios and Polykhronios”
As the cross and the name Georgios imply, the cup is dated to the Christian Era and was possibly offered to be used in religious ceremonies. The meticulous craftsmanship and writing character suggests that the cup can be dated to early Christian Era, to 4th-5th centuries A.D. at the latest.
Copper Bucket Offering
Place of Discovery: Unknown
Language: Hellenic
Date: 6th-7th century A.D.
Material: Copper
Rezan Has Museum Collection
ὑγιένουσα χροῦ, κύρα, ἐν πόλλοις σε χρόνοις.
“Use this in good health, dear lady, for many years to come.”
Such copper buckets were frequently used at baths or homes during the Byzantine Era. Similar to this inscription, wishes for good health were widely encountered on feminine objects of hygiene and jewelry of Late Antiquity.
