RENDERING THE NAME OF EREKLE II ON THE ROYAL SEALS

Abstract

The article examines the variations in the writing of Erekle II's name on royal seals and numismatic materials. The research is based on more than 10,000 documents preserved in the Georgian archives and the seals found on them. Eight identified seals have been analyzed, which chronologically cover the period from 1729 to 1797. These seals differ both in form (octagonal, rectangular, oval), as well as in size and imagery. The first seal belongs to 9-10-year-old Prince Erekle (1729), while the rest appear on various documents issued throughout his reign.

It should be emphasized that the king's name is written on two seals in Asomtavruli script as “ႤႰႤႩႪႤ” (Erekle), on three seals in Mkhedruli script as “Erekle” and on one seal in Asomtavruli as "ႨႰႠႩႪႨ" (Irakli). Particularly remarkable is the five-language seal (N7), in the center of which “Irakli” is written in Asomtavruli, while around it the same name is rendered in four languages (Latin, Greek, Armenian, Persian). It is also interesting that on all copper coins, the king's name is indicated as “Irakli”. In historical documents (e.g., the Treaty of Georgievsk) and in the memoirs of close relatives (Alexandre Orbeliani), the king is frequently mentioned by the name “Irakli”.

The study also reviews relevant scholarly literature. Notably, M. Barataev, E. Pakhomov, D. Kapanadze, and N. Tarkhnishvili read the name “Irakli” on coins and seals but write “Erekle”. The only exception is Ana Bakradze, who accurately rendered the name as “Irakli”.

The research demonstrates that Erekle II's official name, especially on documents and coins, should properly be recognized as “Irakli”. This issue truly requires consideration and verification of existing information.