Spatharios

Spatharios (Greek: Σπαθαριος). Byzantine military title meaning the the "Sword-bearer".

The "sword-bearers" (Greek Plural: Σπαθαριοι), were (allegedly) members of a special Imperial guard. Their leader was called Protospatharios (Greek: Προτοσπαθαριος).

By the end of the 12th century, the title disappeared. Maybe due to changes in weapons used.