Bringing the Holy Land Home: The Crusades, Chertsey Abbey, and the Reconstruction of a Medieval Masterpiece

What is this?

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, with varied images and inscriptions on each respective 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, “ερρικοσδεσποτης.” This translates into English as, “Henry, despotes,” meaning someone of great power, like an emperor. In the center, you can see the emperor, sitting 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 the religious characteristics 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 symbol of religious influence. 
 


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.” The image still depicts the emperor, but this time in a militaristic stance. Here, the emperor, wearing armor, is on horseback facing the right side. He holds a sword in his right hand and a shield in his left hand. He looks very chivalric and successful as he is in motion on horseback, quite possibly fighting for his empire and during the Crusades.



 

This page has paths:

This page references: