eparchos

An eparchos was a high-ranking official in the Byzantine Empire, typically serving as a provincial governor. The term originates from the Greek word "eparchos" (ἔπαρχος), meaning "commander of a place" or "governor." Eparchs were appointed by the Emperor and held significant administrative, judicial, and military authority within their assigned eparchy, which was a territorial division of the empire.

The responsibilities of an eparchos varied depending on the specific period and the eparchy they governed. Generally, they were responsible for maintaining law and order, collecting taxes, administering justice, and overseeing military defenses in their region. They acted as the Emperor's representative in the province, enforcing imperial decrees and ensuring the smooth functioning of provincial administration. The prestige and power associated with the position meant that eparchs often came from prominent aristocratic families. The office could also be a stepping stone to even higher positions within the imperial bureaucracy. Over time, the administrative structure of the Byzantine Empire evolved, and the specific titles and functions of officials like the eparchos changed, but the concept of provincial governance remained central.