Megas Mesazon

The Megas Mesazon or Lord High Treasurer is the third highest rank of the Great Officers of the Realm, in Diadochia below the Megas Quaestor and above the Megas Proedros tou Mystikoú Symvoulíou. The Megas Mesazon functions as the head of His Imperial and Royal Majesty's Treasury. Since the 17th century the office has often been held, not by a single person, but placed in commission, normally headed by the Prime Minister of Diadochia as First Lord of the Treasury.

Origins

Originally the holder was a high dignitary and official, who acted as the chief minister and principal aide of the Diadochian emperor. During the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, the Megas Mesazon was often considered the most important official of the government, and became a de facto Prime Minister.