The interactions of aristocracies with empire shaped the scope of power that could be exercised by these intermediate powers. This session therefore investigates the political role of the Greek aristocracy within the sedentary eastern Roman empire (Byzantium) and that of the Rus’ leaders within the nomadic Mongol empire of the Golden Horde. Finally, the Chinese élite demonstrate the ways in which aristocracies had to negotiate both forms of empire under the Song and Yuan dynasties.