exarchs

Exarchs, from the Greek exarkhos meaning leader or ruler, is a title used in different historical and fictional traditions to denote a high-ranking official with authority beyond a metropolitan level.

In the Byzantine Empire, an exarch was the governor of an exarchate, a semi-autonomous frontier province created to strengthen imperial control and defense. Exarchs combined civil authority with military command and reported directly to the emperor. Notable exarchates included Ravenna in Italy and Africa (Ifriqiya). The institution arose in the late 6th century and gradually declined as centralized control weakened and borders shifted.

In ecclesiastical usage, exarch designates a bishop who governs a territory outside the usual diocesan structure, or a church administrator entrusted with jurisdiction beyond a metropolitan see. The term is used in Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic practices, where exarchates may be established to oversee particular rites, national churches, or missionary regions. Exarchs often function as temporary or special representatives of a higher ecclesiastical authority, retaining episcopal status.

In popular culture, exarchs appear in various fantasy and science fiction settings. In Warhammer 40,000, an Exarch is a senior leader of an Eldar Aspect Warrior shrine, chosen for prowess and leadership. Exarchs typically possess enhanced abilities and guide their squads in battle, serving as paragons within their respective aspect traditions.

Overall, the title historically denotes elevated jurisdiction or leadership beyond standard hierarchies, found in civil administration, ecclesiastical governance, and, in modern fantasy literature and gaming, in military and organizational roles.