Boeotarch

As Böotarch (Greek βοιώταρχος from Βοιωτία ( Boeotia ) and ἀρχή ( rule ) ), the law enforcement officer designated presiding over the Boeotian Confederation and had to perceive among other tasks as a military leader. They were elected annually.

The Böotarchen were elected by the first eleven, later seven constituencies ( μέρη ) of the Boeotian League, with each circle a certain Böotarchen. Thebes as the capital of the Federation chose four Böotarchen, which was maintained even after reduction of the number seven Böotarchen. The two were chosen by Orchomenus and Thespiai, one of Tanagra. The three cities Haliartus, Lebadeia and Koroneia and Akraiphion, Kopai and Chaeronea together formed only ever a circle and therefore represented only ever a Böotarchen together.

Historically become known are the Epaminondas and Pelopidas Böotarchen.

Swell

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