Boiotarch

As boeotarch ( Greek  βοιώταρχος from Βοιωτία ( Viotia ) and ἀρχή (prevail)), the law enforcement officers were called to the Boeotian Federation presided and among other tasks were perceived as a military leader. They were re-elected every year.

The Boeotarchs were elected from the first eleven and later seven constituencies ( μέρη ) of the Boeotian League, with each district designating a Boeotarch. Thebes as the capital of the union chose four Boeotarchs, which was retained even after the number was reduced to seven Boeotarchs. Two each were from Orchomenos and Thespiai chosen one of Tanagra . The three cities Haliartus , Lebadeia and Koroneia as well as Akraiphion , Kopai and Chaironeia together each formed only one circle and therefore only each had one Boeotarch together.

The Boeotarchs Epaminondas and Pelopidas became known historically . The office existed well into Roman times: In the 3rd century AD, a Boiotarch named Dexippus was involved in the defense of the Heruli . In late antiquity , the trace of the office is lost.

swell

• Pausanias , IX 13.6-7, IX 14.5, X 20.3.

literature

• Adolf Kaegi , Benseler's Greek-German School Dictionary , Leipzig and Berlin, 1911, keyword: βοιώτ-αρχος
• Little Pauly , Volume 1, Column 920, keyword: Boiotia
• Eduard Meyer , History of Antiquity , Volume 4, Book 2, Chapter VI., Descent from the mainland of Athens. Thirty Years Peace , p. 582 ff. ( Online )