This article examines the case of the protokynegos Ioannes Batatzes, who is mentioned by the rather unique designation of the “katholikos apographeus” in a judicial decision of the governor of Thessalonike, Ioannes Doukas Apokaukos (1344). By carefully studying the preserved documentary material and the narrative sources, we reach the conclusion that Batatzes was a fiscal official who served for at least five or even ten years and whose district of authority included the entire Byzantine empire. We also try to investigate the administrative relationship between the katholikos apographeus and the contemporary apographeis, operating in large or small districts. Finally, we note that such an extended assignment could be regarded as a personal distinction given exceptionally to Batatzes. However, it is more likely that it was related to a project set on by Andronikos III Palaiologos in an attempt to improve the management of public resources and to reduce fiscal disorder. In any case, this new administrative practice did not obtain a permanent and institutional quality, as the aggravated political and military conditions no longer favoured general-scale fiscal activities.
