A despotate is a territory ruled by a despot, a leader with absolute power. Historically, despotates were often established in regions where centralized authority was weak, allowing a single ruler to exert control over a specific area. This form of governance was common in the Byzantine Empire, where local leaders, known as despots, governed provinces with significant autonomy. One notable example of a despotate is the Despotate of Epirus, which emerged in the 14th century after the fall of the Byzantine Empire. It played a crucial role in the region's politics and culture, serving as a center for the preservation of Byzantine traditions and Orthodox Christianity during a time of upheaval.