State funds: contributions

n the late Byzantine period, owing to its lack of funds, the state was often forced to have recourse to certain powerful citizens to assist it in increasing its maritime power and promoting its commercial activities. In this way, both the state and its military and naval forces became financially dependent on the powerful of the Empire. John VI Kantakouzenos, for instance, sought assistance from private individuals because the state treasury was empty. He himself, as well as other prosperous citizens, offered their fortunes for the building up of a fleet. Even though they were not particularly eager to make sacrifices, since their own wealth had been substantially reduced during the civil war, they were still able to contribute a sum of 50,000 hyperpyra, which was used for the construction of ships.

A characteristic example is that of the grand Duke of Moscow, who, in 1350, donated money for the restoration of the church of Hagia Sophia. The state not only accepted the money for this purpose, but it also proceeded to spend it on the recruitment of troops.