Meros

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Meros ( Greek μέρος, Pl. Μέροι meroi ) was a tactical unit of the Byzantine army . The Meros was commanded by a Merarch, also known as the Stratelates.

A cavalry meros was usually divided into three moiras , which in turn were formed by several banda . The middle moira comprised two thirds of the strength of the respective meros and is set up in a closed formation (defensores). This moira was commanded directly by the Merarch. The two moira on the flanks were set up in an open formation (koursores).

The merarch of the middle Meros of the first battle row acted as deputy commander of the army (hypostrategos), see Strategikon des Maurikios I 3 [Dennis, pp. 14-16].

Depending on the size of an army, the strength of a Meros could vary greatly, since Byzantine armies were divided into several Meroi, regardless of whether it was a force of moderate strength (2000 to 6000 horsemen ) or a large force (more than 15,000 horsemen) acted (see Strategikon III 8-10 [Dennis, pp. 43-45]).

A Meros should ideally be no more than 6000 to 7000 men. In the tactics of Leo VI. (approx. 900 AD), however, Meroi are also described as having only 250 (2nd and 3rd battle line) or 500 men (1st battle line).

The Strategikon des Maurikios recommends dividing the infantry into four meroi of equal size (left, center left, center right and right). With fewer than 24,000 infantrymen, the foot troops should only be divided into three Meroi (left, center and right). (see Maurice's Strategikon: Book XII B. 9., pp. 141–142)

It is true that in the tactics of Leo VI. explains that the old term Meros was replaced by the term Tourma , but the author kept the term to denote the tactical unit.

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  • Maurice's Strategikon: Handbook of Byzantine Military Strategy . Translated by George T. Dennis. Philadelphia 1984, reprinted 2001.
  • The Taktika of Leo VI: Text, Translation, and Commentary (Dumbarton Oaks Texts) . Translated by George T. Dennis first edition 2010.