Eparch from Nobatia

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An eparch of Nobatia in a wall painting by Abd al-Qadir

The Eparch of Nobatia was one of the most important offices in the Nubian Empire of Makuria . He administered Nobatia , the northernmost province of this Christian empire. The title Eparch has been adopted from the Byzantine Empire and corresponds to the Latin prefect . The Eparch of Nobatia appears in Arabic sources as Lord of the Mountains or Lord of the Horses . Old Nubian sources indicate that he bore the title of Lord of the Royal Horses . The Arab diplomat (10th century) Ibn Selim el-Aswani reports that he took care of all those who came to Makuria from Muslim countries. So he was in charge of relations between Arabs and the court of Makuria, and in this role he also oversaw trade between Makuria and the Arab world. The court of Eparchen was organized like the court of the king of Makuria. He resided first in Faras , then in Qasr Ibrim . The first eparch of Nobatia is attested under King Mercurios (ruled 696 until after 710), although it is unclear whether the office was introduced under this ruler or whether it existed before, with Nobatia still existing as an independent kingdom until 655.

In various churches there are depictions of an Eparchen. He is usually depicted under the protection of Jesus, Mother Mary or by angels and usually wears a crown.

List of known eparches

  • Markos (around 700)
  • Petros (died 798)
  • Paulos-Kolla (around 750)
  • Johannes (died 883)
  • Iesousinkouda
  • Goassi (1161)
  • Papasa (died 1181)
  • Jorays (late 13th century)
  • Bowels
  • Gabrielinkouda
  • Adam

literature