The Catepanate of Ras was established between 971–976, during the rule of John Tzimiskes (r. 969–976). A seal of a "strategos" of Ras has been dated to Tzimiskes' reign, making it possible that Tzimiskes' predecessor Nikephoros II Phokas was recognized in Rascia. The "protospatharios and katepano of Ras" was a Byzantine governor named John. Data on the "katepano" of Ras during Tzimiskes' reign is missing. Byzantine military presence ended soon thereafter with the wars with Bulgaria, and was re-established only ca. 1018 with the short-lived Theme of Sirmium, which, however, did not extend much into Serbia proper.