The Klimata of Cherson in the Theme Period

The theme period in the Klimata of Cherson started 841. Using Khazars’ dependence on Eastern Roman Empire military assistance, Emperor Theophilos returned towns and forts located Inner Range Crimean Mountains established there a new administrative unit, thema (θέμα). strategos this controlled fortress neighbouring Klimata, latter were governed by local archontes. held supreme power region. archontes recognized as Empire’s officials. was charge judicial, financial, tax affairs province; he responsible for maintaning order territory entrusted to him. Apparently 850 or 860, called seals. According materials archaeological excavations, fortifications κάστρον πολίσματα plateaux Mangup, Eski-­Kermen, Bakla partly restored, fort atop high plateau Suiren’ constructed following establishment theme. In late tenth century, divided into tourmai Gothia, reorganized topoteresiai. officers Byzantine army charged with commanding tourmarches Gothia had title spatharios, typical tourmarchai. His residence Mangup. There is an inscription informing that topoteretes commanded his troop also supervised reconstruction fortifications. second half eleventh town Sougdaia included Cherson. Probably few years after, transformed katepanate. limits katepanate remain obscure. It comprised topoteresiai tourma Sougdaia, Khazaria. From seals aristocrats originating from excavations Mountain Range, are reasons suppose kept control over long it defeated Crusaders 1204.