Комеркиите в черноморския регион от VIII–Х век и тяхната роля за вътрешната и външната търговия на Византия
The kommerkia in the Black Sea region during the 8th to 10th centuries and their role in Byzantium’s domestic and foreign trade

Summary/Abstract: For centuries, likely until the end of the 9th century, Byzantium preferred to trade with its neighbors at specially designated points along its borders. These points served as emporia and customs posts. Initially, traders were required to pay an octave, which amounted to one-eighth (1/8) of the value of goods imported or exported from the empire. Around AD 800, the octave was replaced by the kommerkion. The kommerkion included both import/export duties and value-added tax, as well as transit taxes, and typically amounted to 10% of the value of the goods. Because of this, it was also referred to as a decatē. The kommerkion applied not only to all imported goods, including slaves but also to items subject to domestic trade brought to Constantinople from other parts of the empire by sea. This study examines the customs (kommerkia) of the Byzantine Black Sea coasts, focusing specifically on Mesembria, Debelt, Herson, Hieron, and Trebizond. Additionally, it explores other significant maritime customs, including those in Thessalonica and Abydos, which played vital roles in trade throughout the Balkans and Constantinople from the 8th to the 10th centuries. The research relies on seals of customs officers and written sources. Information about Byzantine customs in the Black Sea region is limited, making it challenging to provide a comprehensive overview of customs control during this period. However, available source material indicates that the empire made considerable efforts to maintain customs posts that generated revenue for the imperial treasury. The Byzantine thalassocracy in the Black Sea, established by the imperial navy, ensured the security of these coastal customs posts. Customs and port officials, similar to all other officers in the imperial provincial administration, were appointed by the central government in Constantinople. Generally, these officials were not locals; they were rotated every three years as an effective anti-corruption measure implemented by the early 10th century.

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