Martina Filosa, University of Cologne

This paper aims to examine prosopographical data relating to the individuals involved in the management and operation of charitable institutions within the Byzantine Empire, including orphanages (orphanotropheia), old age homes (gerokomeia/gerotropheia), houses for the poor and destitute (ptochotropheia), and hospitals (xenon/xenodocheia and nosokomeia), exclusively drawn from sigillographic sources. While hagiography and monastic typika are typically the primary sources considered in discussions of welfare and philanthropy in Byzantium, sigillographic sources have been completely overlooked by scholars despite offering a wealth of prosopographical information. Monastic typika are no more than statements of intent and may serve as evidence of aspiration rather than accomplishment. Similarly, references in hagiography should be approached with caution, as their primary focus lies elsewhere and not necessarily in providing factual documentation of historical events. On the other hand, seals, which were used to identify the sender of a document and to confer authenticity upon it, provide an impartial source - a snapshot of each individual at the moment of signing and sending a letter, document or dispatch. Approximately 70% of the actors reviewed in this work, totaling around 200, are unknown to contemporary prosopographical works.