polemarch
- noun
- /ˈpɒlɪˌmɑrk/
- Archaic
- What's a "Polemarch"?
Examples
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The polemarch played a key role in organizing public ceremonies in the ancient Greek city-states.
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We thus learn by chance that such a magistrate existed at Gortyn, corresponding to the Athenian Polemarch.
Academic text (1991) -
In ancient Athens, the polemarch was responsible for overseeing the city's judicial affairs.
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During the festival, the polemarch presided over the ceremonial events held in honor of the gods.
Synonyms
A leading city official in ancient Greece
One of five senior officials in ancient Sparta who watch and check the kings' power
An elected or appointed governor of a Greek region who leads local government
Surface Forms
Etymology
Polemarch comes from Greek parts polemos 'war' and archos 'leader'. In some city-states like Athens, a polemarch was an elected official who handled public ceremonies, legal cases about foreigners, and funerals for soldiers, so the name fits someone with both military and civic authority.