The most important extrinsic element of medieval documents, and the least common and relevant in contemporary documents, is the seal2. Examining seals, diplomatists focus their attention on the material they are made of, their shape, size, typology (as i

The most important extrinsic element of medieval documents, and the least common and relevant in contemporary documents, is the seal². Examining seals, diplomatists focus their attention on the material they are made of, their shape, size, typology (as it related to the figure in the impression: heraldic type, equestrian, monumental, hagiographic, majestic, etc.), legend or inscription (which runs clockwise around the central figure along the edge of the seal, starting from the top), and the method of affixing them (seals may be hanging or adherent). The analysis of these components is directed to ascertaining the degree of authority and solemnity of a document, its provenance and function, and its authenticity.