(N.), protospatharios and strategos of the Boukellarion ca. VIII cent.
Cruciform invocative monogram
Κύριε βοήθει τῷ σῷ δούλῳ … (πρωτο)σπα[θ(αρίῳ) (καὶ)] στρατ(ιγῷ) Βουκελ(λαρίων) Lord, help your servant … protospatharios and strategos of the Boukellarioi

The theme of Boukellarion was created sometime between 743 and 767 during the reign of Emperor Constantine V (741–775), in the aftermath of Artabasdos's failed rebellion. Artabasdos, who held the position of Count of the Opsikion, had posed a significant threat, prompting the emperor to reorganize the region's military structure. As part of this strategy, the new theme—along with the Optimatoi—was carved out from the Opsikion to diminish its influence and reduce the likelihood of future uprisings.

The theme’s name traces its roots to the late Roman Bucellarii, a class of elite cavalry troops of Roman or Gothic descent. Originally serving as privately hired bodyguards, they evolved into a distinguished unit within the Opsikion army by the early 7th century. Led by a domestikos, this force eventually gained enough prominence to be elevated into its own theme.
(19mm, 11,18 g)