Boukellarion

   Theme in Asia Minor (qq.v.) created in the eighth century from part of the theme of Opsikion (q.v.). Its capital was Ankyra (q.v.), and it derived its name from boukellarioi, hired private soldiers who served as bodyguards and private retainers. This reduction of the size of Opsikion was probably done by Constantine V (q.v.) in response to the revolt of Artabasdos (q.v.). Subsequently, Opsikion was further reduced by the creation of two more themes, Optimatoi and Paphlagonia (qq.v.), diminishing even more the capability of any single strategos (q.v.) to revolt.