Professional troops armed with javelins and a sword. Their name is derived from "akri", meaning border. Akritae served as the border guards of the Empire and despite being "thematical" (i.e. provincial) troops, they were paid as professionals as well as given land to tend (known as "economiae"). Akritae were some of the most common troops throughout the Empire and were usually armed with heavy javelins(martiuvarbulus),swords and padded or chain mail armour.