This is the seal of the second Latin Emperor of Constantinople, Henry of Flanders, who ruled from 1206 to 1216. This circular lead seal has two sides (obverse and reverse), with different images and inscriptions on each side. On the obverse side of the seal, there is a central image of the emperor with a complimentary circular inscription. The inscription, found between a double border of dots, reads in Greek, “ερρικοσ δεσποτης.” This translates into English as, “Henry, despotes,” meaning someone of great power, like an emperor.



In the center, the emperor sits on a throne, which is decorated with animal heads, probably lions. The emperor wears imperial garments and a crown. Of the two images on the seals, this one is connected to religious aspects of Emperor Henry’s power. In his right hand, he holds a scepter with a cross on top of it, and in his left, he holds a globus cruciger, also known as ‘the orb and cross,’ which is another religious symbol. This image presents the emperor in a straight-up position with his head up, seated in a grounded and strong position in a formal manner and attire on his throne, emphasizing an honorable and controlled rule.


There is a similar format on the reverse side of the seal. On this side, there is another circular inscription between a double border of dots, this time reading in Latin, “Henricus Dei gratia inperator Romanie.” This translates into English as, “Henry, by the Grace of God, emperor of the Roman realm.” Again, it asserts the emperor’s authority in a religious context.

The image still depicts the emperor, but this time in a militaristic stance. The emperor, wearing armor, is on horseback. He holds a sword in his right hand and a shield in his left hand. He looks chivalric and successful as if he is in motion on horseback, fighting for his empire during the crusades. The horse is shown in a flying gallop with all of its hooves off the ground. The emperor drives his horse with so much power that he and the horse are emerging from the central field of the seal and overlapping with the inscription.

These two images work together to show the dual role of the emperor, a strong-willed ruler in his intellect as a ruler of thousands, and a military leader in war with impressive physical abilities. They concurrently stress the emperor’s ability to maintain control over his empire by a balanced and static order, as seen in his straight-up and focused stance on his throne. He also controls his empire through active progression as he is shown in a forward movement on horseback.

The dual language of the inscriptions also presents an image of the people under his rule. It shows that Henry, as an emperor of a newly founded empire, rules over two groups of people. The Greek inscription on the obverse side is closely related to the Greek-speaking members of the former Byzantine Empire. In contrast, the Latin inscription on the reverse side connects to the Latin-speaking crusaders who founded the new Latin Empire. Notably, both languages are present on this seal because it shows that the emperor is ruling over both people. They belonged to different cultures and did not voluntarily wish to come together. Still, they are being ruled under one ruler.