Seal of Amalric, king of Jerusalem (DO BZS.1951.31.5.2939)
This seal is most similar to other Jerusalem seals of the time period. On the obverse side, King Amalric is seated on a backless throne surrounded by latin inscription translating to “Seal of Amalric.” The reverse side contains three notable buildings: the Holy Sepulchre, the Tower of David, and the Temple. Most interestingly, the Temple is Templum Domini which is the Dome of the Rock, an Islamic shrine. These structures were deemed representative of Jerusalem at the time. Surrounding the structure is an inscription in latin that translates to “King of Jerusalem.” The seal captures the time period of the region briefly after the Crusades had fought very diligently to capture Jerusalem from the Muslims. By creating this seal, it serves as an authenticator to the existence of the newly formed Christian kingdom of Jerusalem.