Themes (Byzantine administrative divisions)

Themes were administrative regions of the Byzantine Empire, established around the 7th century as a way to organize military and civil governance. Each theme was a large territorial unit overseen by a military governor called a "strategos," who managed both defense and local administration. This system helped the empire respond quickly to external threats while maintaining control over its vast territories. The themes combined military and civilian functions, creating a more flexible and resilient governance structure. Over time, these divisions evolved but remained central to Byzantine political and military organization, balancing regional authority with imperial oversight.