ВИЗАНТИСКИОТ ВОЕН СИСТЕМ НА БАЛКАНОТ КОН КРАЈОТ НА VI ВЕК
THE BYZANTINE MILITARY SYSTEM OF THE BALKANS AT THE END OF THE VI CENTURY

Summary/Abstract: The imperial Army by the end of the Sixth century is a continuation of the earlier period. It was a mixture of different types of military units and officer ranks, which vividly shows its complex evolution. The mobile armed forces represented a unique blend of old military units that had their own regimental identity, and of newly created units named according to general terminology. The maintenance and supply of the imperial army with military equipment and other materials required for its effective action on the field, as well as replenishment of empty ranks with new recruits were one of the major responsibilities of the central government. For the logistical needs of the army during the second half of the Sixth century the State used institutions and laws that were established several centuries earlier. Although the Byzantine military system was based on the principle of maintaining high professionalism of its administrative and military personnel, during the second half of the Sixth century it faced with significant challenges. The lack of resources, both fiscal and human, that had emerged as result of frequent epidemics and wars on the imperial borders, demonstrated its age and rigidity. Maurice’s attempt for army reforms, as well as the future events during the reign of Heraclius, suggests that it was no longer able to successfully respond to the new situation on the field and the needs of the central government.

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