Peloponnese (theme)

The theme of the Peloponnese (Greek θέμα Πελοποννήσου ) was a Byzantine theme, which covered the area of the Peloponnese in southern Greece. It was established about the year 800, his capital was Corinth.

History

The Byzantine Empire ruled from parts of the Peloponnese peninsula formed since the late 7th century, the theme of Hellas. At about 800 Hellas was divided: while the eastern Central Greece and Thessaly retained the original title, the area of the Peloponnese was its own theme. The first known strategos of the Peloponnese is Leo Sclerosis, mentioned 811, and was perhaps the first holder of the office. The emergence of the issue is closely linked to the retrieval of Byzantine suzerainty over much of Greece and the resettlement of Italian and Asia Minor Greeks in the area.

The strategos of the Peloponnese was the most important of the "Western" (ie European) thematic commanders. Its main task was to control the Slavic tribes that had settled on the peninsula and in defense of Arab attacks at sea: A Tour Marches of the topic was familiar with the defense of the coasts and even had four Chelandia under his command. After the Byzantine reconquest of Crete had 961 the Emirate of Crete to an end, prospered the Peloponnese. From the late 10th century the administration of the topic was increasingly merged with that of Hellas, in the late 11th century, this connection was permanent, as both issues came under the control of Megas Doux, the Grand Admiral of the Byzantine fleet. Since this but not resided in the subject, remained the local administration in the Praetor. The Peloponnese remained until 1204 under Byzantine control until it came as a result of the Fourth Crusade under the rule of the Latin kingdom of Thessalonica and Athens.