Their name is derived from "akri", meaning border. Akritai Professional mounted troops armed with javelins and a sword.
Akritai 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"). Akritai 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. Some Akritai were also formed as mounted units for increased mobility on the battlefield.