A supplementary investigation tracing the Christians under the Shadow of Muslim Rule in the Emirate of Crete (ca 825/6-961 CE): the Case of the Treaty of Naxos in John Caminiates’ narration of the Sacking of Thessaloniki in 904 CE.

Abstract

This article is divided into two parts. The first part deals with a treaty which was concluded between the inhabitants of the island of Naxos with the authorities of the emirate of Crete as it appears in the Byzantine source of Caminiates’ Capture of Thessaloniki (904 CE), an autographic narration written by an eye witness. Most probably this was a common law treaty. In the second part, which originates from Caminiates’ narration, enriched with relevant additional material, the most striking point to emerge is the brief description of the little known activities of the local people of Crete during the time of the Arab dominance of Crete (ca 825/6- 961). The study of the fate of the local Christian people (autochthons) who lived under the shadow of the Muslim rule of the emirate of Crete has hitherto been neglected and requires further research with emphasis on the preservation of the local Church.

Keywords

• Naxos
• emirate of Crete (ca 825/6-961)
• common law treaty
• autochthons
• Arab conquerors