Gold Seal of Michael VII Doukas, Constantinople c. 1071 - 1078

Editor: Here we have the Gold Seal of Michael VII Doukas from Constantinople. It’s incredibly small, less than an inch in diameter. What do you see in this tiny, powerful object? Curator: This seal embodies the complex power dynamics of the Byzantine Empire. Its materiality, gold, immediately signifies wealth and authority. Consider how religious imagery was strategically employed to legitimize political power. How might the figures depicted reinforce the emperor's divine right to rule? Editor: So, it’s not just a pretty object, but a carefully crafted piece of propaganda? Curator: Precisely. The seal acted as a visual assertion of imperial control. The use of religious symbols also served to unite the populace under a shared ideology. Editor: That's fascinating, it makes me think about how leaders use symbols today! Curator: Indeed, its historical echoes remain relevant in contemporary discussions of power, representation, and cultural identity.