Hipparchus (office)
As Hipparchus (Greek. Ἵππαρχος) was the commander of ancient Greece cavalry called.
Athens
In Athens, the Hipparchus was elected annually by vote. Militarily, the cavalry was of secondary importance. Socially, however, the service in the cavalry enjoyed a high reputation, as it was considered a proof of prosperity and warlike-noble (" knightly ") sentiments. This was especially true of the hipparch. The election for this office by hand vote (instead of random lottery) was considered an award. His term of office gave the hipparch the opportunity to display his public splendor and to prove himself as a military organizer.
Xenophon dedicated his own textbook with the same name ( Hipparchikos ) to the office of the Hipparch , which was perhaps written in the 360s BC. BC originated. The script gives instructions on the logistical organization, on military tactics as well as on the proper execution of an equestrian procession. The font is therefore less of a mere technical manual than at the same time the self-styling of an author who counted himself and his sons to the class of the Hippeis (the 'knights', an Attic census class).
Achaean covenant
In the Achaean League , the Hipparchus was the second highest commander of the federal troops. The best-known incumbent is the historian Polybios , who because of his clothing in this office in 168 BC. Had to go to Rome as a hostage.
literature
- Hermann Bengtson: The Hellenistic World Culture , Stuttgart 1988. (Excerpts on books.google )
- Oliver Stoll: To the glory of Athens: Knowledge for the good of the polis : Xenophon's ideal of a leader and Athens' cavalry in Hipparchikos ‹Logos›, Frank & Timme, Berlin 2010. books.google