The Megas Logothetes (Gr. Μεγας Λογοθητης "Grand Accountant") was the head of the Byzantine bureaucracy during the middle era of the empire. He was personally responsible for the administration of the state treasury and the legal system, much like a Western chancellor. Although the office continued to the fall of Constantinople, many of his functions were gradually assumed by other offices (such as the Megas Doux) during the Paleologid period.

"Logothete" may also be interpreted from combining "logos" (word) and "thete" (one who delights in... as "aesthete")as "One who gives or keeps the Word". This has obvious Biblical connotations, bearing on a Byzantine Emperor's status as one originally Chosen by his peers but who thereafter governs by Divine Right. This Word betokens the Faith of Constantine, in whose Sign we conquer. Later dynasts termed themselves "Paleologus", meaning Ancient Word or even "First Utterance", where "utter" is cognate of "uterus", one speaking --as it were-- from out the Womb (of Time).

See also

Byzantine aristocracy and bureaucracy

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