The bullae of the spahbedan. Some iconographic remarks

Bibliographic Data

ID19565910
AuthorsPatryk Skupniewicz (0000-0002-8119-5449, University of Siedlce, corresponding author)
Year2017
Volume6
Pages107-120
Publication date2017-09-14
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueHistoria i Świat (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2299-2464 • E-ISSN: 2956-6436
PublisherSiedlce University of Natural Sciences and Humanities (PUBLISHER • PL)
DOI10.34739/his.2017.06.08
OpenAlexW2751187440
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited7

The seals of Sasanian highest military officials, the spahbedan which contain depiction of armoured rider create consistent iconographic group. It is possible however to distinguish five sub-groups within it, which in turn might serve as supplementary argument for their chronology or might suggest differentiation of the role of the office in time. The iconography of the spahbedan is related to 3-5th century, Roman models of imperial adventus which seems adequate for high ranking officers who needed iconographic layout emphasizing power however not entering royal prerogative. Iconography of the sovereigns of the neighboring power suited that goal well. Stylization of the arms and armour depicted on the spahbedan seals and small size of the objects do not allow firm identification of the types however it is clear that the more realistic tendency in depicting armament, typical for Late Sasanian period and contrasting with stylized and symbolic functions of earlier official art, prevailed

Ancient history · Archaeology · Art · Depiction · Iconography · Literature · Political science · Politics · Prerogative · Stylized fact · Ancient and Medieval Archaeology Studies · Byzantine Studies and History · Eurasian Exchange Networks · History · Law

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access