| The subject of the settlement of the scions of twelve noble families of Constantinople in Crete at the end of the 12th century, in order to consolidate Byzantine rule in Crete, is examined against the background of historical events from the accession of Alexius II Comnenus to the imperial throne, until the fall of Constantinople to the Crusaders. The author rejects the view of earlier scholars that the relevant chrysobull of 1182 was a fake, and that the colonisation should be dated to the reign of Alexius I Comnenus, after Karykes’ rebellion. The chrysobull is treated as authentic but altered by subsequent interventions, and is connected to Western feudal customs and the role subsequently played by the families of the twelve noble youths, during the period of Venetian rule. |