The Five Exarchates of the Byzantine Empire: Centers of Imperial Administration and Influence

During the Byzantine Empire’s long and storied history, the concept of the exarchate emerged as a crucial administrative division aimed at managing far-flung territories and projecting imperial authority. Exarchates were regions governed by an exarch, who acted as the emperor’s representative and wielded significant political and military power. While several exarchates existed at different times, five major exarchates stand out in Byzantine history due to their strategic importance and impact on the empire’s governance and defense.

1. Exarchate of Ravenna

Established in 584 AD by Emperor Maurice, the Exarchate of Ravenna was strategically positioned in Italy, a vital frontier zone facing threats from Lombards and other Germanic tribes. Ravenna served as the Byzantine Empire’s stronghold in the West, enabling imperial control over central and northern Italy. The exarch held both military and civil authority, overseeing defense, taxation, and judicial matters. Ravenna remained a pivotal Byzantine outpost until the 8th century when it was eventually absorbed into the expanding territories of the Lombards and Franks.

2. Exarchate of Africa

Founded in 590 AD by Emperor Maurice, the Exarchate of Africa encompassed the territories of modern-day Tunisia, eastern Algeria, and western Libya. Carthage, once a jewel of Roman Africa, became the seat of the exarchate, overseeing vital grain supplies and trade routes across the Mediterranean. The exarchate played a crucial role in defending Byzantine interests against the encroaching Arab Muslim armies during the 7th century. Despite valiant efforts, the Exarchate of Africa fell to the Arab conquests by 698 AD, marking a significant loss for Byzantine influence in North Africa.

3. Exarchate of Italy

Distinct from the earlier Exarchate of Ravenna, the Exarchate of Italy was re-established in 584 AD and centered on the city of Rome. This exarchate encompassed central and southern Italy and played a critical role in Byzantine efforts to reclaim lost territories from the Ostrogoths. While initially successful under Emperor Justinian I, subsequent Byzantine control waned over time due to internal struggles and the rise of the Lombards. By the mid-8th century, the Exarchate of Italy was reduced to the southernmost tip of the Italian peninsula, ultimately falling to the Lombards in 751 AD.

4. Exarchate of Africa

Established in the late 6th century, the Exarchate of Africa was centered in Carthage and encompassed territories including modern-day Tunisia, eastern Algeria, and western Libya. It served as a crucial administrative and military outpost for the Byzantine Empire, overseeing vital grain supplies from the fertile lands of North Africa and maintaining control over key Mediterranean trade routes. The exarchate played a pivotal role in defending Byzantine interests against various threats, including raids by Berber tribes and later the Arab Muslim conquests.

Despite initial successes, the Exarchate of Africa faced increasing pressure from Arab Muslim forces, culminating in a series of decisive defeats in the late 7th century. By 698 AD, Carthage fell to the Arab armies led by Hasan ibn al-Nu’man, marking the end of Byzantine rule in North Africa. The fall of the Exarchate of Africa was a significant blow to Byzantine power projection in the Mediterranean and contributed to the empire’s shifting focus towards its eastern territories.

5. Exarchate of Ephesus

Founded in the early 8th century, the Exarchate of Ephesus was centered around the city of Ephesus in western Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). This exarchate emerged as the Byzantine Empire faced increasing threats from the expanding Muslim caliphates and sought to fortify its defenses in Anatolia. Ephesus, a historically significant city known for its religious and commercial importance, became a strategic hub under Byzantine control, overseeing military operations and regional administration.

The Exarchate of Ephesus played a crucial role in Byzantine efforts to defend Anatolia from Arab incursions, contributing to the empire’s resilience in the face of external pressures. However, like other Byzantine territories in Asia Minor, Ephesus eventually succumbed to the gradual erosion of Byzantine power in the region. The Seljuk Turks, emerging as a formidable force in the 11th century, would later challenge Byzantine control over Anatolia, leading to the eventual decline and fragmentation of the empire.

Conclusion

The five exarchates of the Byzantine Empire—Ravenna, Africa, Italy, Ephesus, and others—represented critical administrative divisions that played key roles in imperial governance, defense, and projection of power. Each exarchate faced unique challenges and contributed differently to Byzantine history, from defending against external threats to managing vital economic resources and maintaining control over strategic territories. Despite their eventual decline and absorption into other political entities, the legacy of the exarchates underscores the Byzantine Empire’s enduring efforts to maintain its influence and authority across diverse geographic regions.