The Army

ohn Vatatzes showed particular concern for the defence of the Empire. He constructed fortresses in border regions, restored the walls of many cities, and thanks to his policy of ceding moderate-sized holdings (pronoiai) to his soldiers, he managed to build up a powerful army. In addition, he bolstered the Empire's military strength by allowing foreigners - mostly Cumans who had been expelled by the Mongols - to settle in Thrace, Macedonia, Phrygia and in the valley of the Meander, on condition that they provide military service. Thus, besides the "Latin" contingent, there was now in the Byzantine army also one composed of "Scythians", as the Cuman soldiers were usally called.

From the beginning of his reign, John III Vatatzes showed interest in the rebuilding of the fleet that had accompanied him on his successful overseas expeditions to Thessalonike, Rhodes and other Aegean islands. As was the case during the reign of the previous Byzantine emperors, the megas doux remained the chief admiral of the fleet, while the megas domestikos continued to hold the position of commander-in-chief of the army.