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{{Short description|Greek term used to military commanders from the 1st century BC on}}
{{good article}}
{{Byzantine Military}}

'''''Stratopedarchēs''''' ({{langx|el|στρατοπεδάρχης||master of the camp}}), sometimes [[Anglicization|Anglicized]] as '''Stratopedarch''', was a [[Greek language|Greek]] term used with regard to high-ranking military commanders from the 1st century BC on, becoming a proper office in the 10th-century [[Byzantine Empire]]. It continued to be employed as a designation, and a proper title, of commanders-in-chief until the 13th century, when the title of '''{{transl|el|megas stratopedarchēs}}''' (μέγας στρατοπεδάρχης) or '''Grand Stratopedarch''' appeared. This title was awarded to senior commanders and officials, while the ordinary ''stratopedarchai'' were henceforth low-ranking military officials.

==History==
===Origin and early use===
The term first appears in the late 1st century BC in the [[Hellenistic]] [[Near East]]. Its origin is unclear, but it is used as a translation, in some inscriptions, for the contemporary [[Roman legion]]ary post of {{lang|la|[[praefectus castrorum]]}} ({{lit.|camp prefect}}).{{sfn|Applebaum|1989|pp=61–63}} [[Josephus]] (''[[De Bello Judaico]]'', VI.238) uses the term to refer to the [[quartermaster]]-general of all camps, while [[Dionysius of Halicarnassus]] (''Roman Antiquities'', X.36.6) used it to refer to the role of a {{lang|la|[[primus pilus]]}} in a [[Roman legion|legion]] that had lost its commander.{{sfn|Tajra|2010|p=42 (note 29)}} It also occurs in the [[Bible]] ({{bibleverse||Acts|28:16|TR1894|}}), where it has been interpreted as referring to the [[praetorian prefect]], the commander of the camp and [[garrison]] of the [[Praetorian Guard]] in [[Rome]], or the subordinate officials {{lang|la|[[praefectus peregrinorum]]}} and {{lang|la|[[princeps castrorum]]}}.{{sfn|Tajra|2010|pp=41–43}}

From the 1st century AD, it was used (albeit infrequently) in a broader sense as a literary term to refer to generals, i.e. as a synonym of the older title {{transl|el|[[strategos|stratēgos]]}}.{{sfn|ODB|loc="Stratopedarches" (A. Kazhdan), pp. 1966–1967}} Thus in the 4th century, the bishop and historian [[Eusebius]] (''[[Church History (Eusebius)|Church History]]'', IX.5.2) writes of the "{{transl|el|stratopedarchēs}}, whom the Romans call {{lang|la|[[dux]]}}". Similarly, in the early 5th century, [[Ardabur (consul 427)|Ardabur]] was called "{{transl|el|stratopedarchēs}} of both forces" by [[Olympiodorus of Thebes]], while the acts of the [[Council of Chalcedon]] (451) refer to [[Zeno (consul 448)|Zeno]], "{{transl|el|[[patrikios]]}} and {{transl|el|stratopedarchēs}} of both forces of the East". This is an obvious translation of the Latin term {{lang|la|[[magister utriusque militiae]]}}, especially as the contemporary historian [[Eunapius]] records that the {{transl|el|stratopedarchēs}} was "the greatest of offices". Other Greek-language authors translate Ardabur's title more commonly with {{transl|el|[[stratelates|stratēlatēs]]}} or {{transl|el|stratēgos}}.{{sfn|Guilland|1967|p=498}} The Swiss historian [[Albert Vogt]] suggested that the {{transl|el|stratopedarchai}} were military [[intendant]]s, responsible for army supplies and managing the fortified assembly bases, the {{transl|el|[[mitaton|mitata]]}}.{{sfn|Guilland|1967|p=498}}

However, as the [[Byzantine studies|Byzantinist]] [[Rodolphe Guilland]] commented, references to a {{transl|el|stratopedarchēs}} are rare before the 10th century, and always seem to be a different way of referring—often [[anachronistically]]—to a {{lang|la|magister militum}}, or later a [[theme (Byzantine district)|thematic]] {{transl|el|stratēgos}}. Such references exist to emperor [[Jovian (emperor)|Jovian]] ({{reign|363|364}}), who was a general before his rise to the throne, by [[Theophanes the Confessor]]; Rusticius, a general of [[Leo I (emperor)|Leo I]] ({{reign|457|474}}), by [[Zonaras]]; Busur, an Arab commander in {{circa|650}}, by Theophanes; Krateros, a "{{transl|el|stratopedarchēs}} of the East" who was sent to arrest [[Theodore Stoudites]]; Eudokimos, {{transl|el|stratopedarchēs}}/{{transl|el|stratēgos}} of [[Cappadocia (theme)|Cappadocia]] and [[Charsianon]] under [[Theophilos (emperor)|Theophilos]] ({{reign|829|842}}); and a certain Mousilikes, subordinate of the thematic {{transl|el|stratēgos}} of [[Sicily (theme)|Sicily]]. A {{transl|el|[[protospatharios|prōtospatharios]]}} Constantine, whose seal mentions him as a {{transl|el|stratopedarchēs}}, cannot be further identified.{{sfn|Guilland|1967|pp=498–499}}

===Middle Byzantine period===
[[File:Seal of Romanos Skleros (Schlumberger).png|thumb|upright=1.15|Seal of [[Romanos Skleros]], {{transl|el|[[proedros]]}}, {{transl|el|stratopedarchēs}} of the East, and {{transl|el|[[dux|doux]]}} of [[Antioch]]]]
In the middle [[Byzantine]] period (9th–12th centuries), the term {{transl|el|stratopedon}} came to signify more the army on campaign, rather than the camp itself; hence the term {{transl|el|stratopedarchēs}} was used more in the sense of 'commander-in-chief'. The title is first attested as a technical term in 967, when Emperor [[Nikephoros II Phokas]] ({{reign|963|969}}) named the [[eunuch]] [[Peter (stratopedarches)|Peter]] as {{transl|el|stratopedarchēs}} before sending him with an army to [[Cilicia]]. The ''[[Escorial Taktikon]]'', written a few years later, shows the existence of two {{transl|el|stratopedarchai}}, one of the East ([[Anatolia]]) and one of the West (the [[Balkans]]). This arrangement parallels that of the two {{transl|el|[[domestikos ton scholon|domestikoi tōn scholōn]]}}, a fact that led [[Nicolas Oikonomides]] to suggest that the post was created as a substitute of the latter office, which was barred to eunuchs until the 11th century.{{sfn|ODB|loc="Stratopedarches" (A. Kazhdan), pp. 1966–1967}}{{sfn|Oikonomides|1972|pp=334–335}}{{sfn|Kühn|1991|pp=262, 264}} 

The actual nature of the office is difficult to reconstruct, as it is rarely found in technical sources like the Byzantine military and court manuals, and its usage in the historical accounts is simply as another word for a high commander, in place of '{{transl|el|stratēgos}}' or '{{transl|el|domestikos tōn scholōn}}'. Thus it is unclear what position the {{transl|el|stratopedarchēs}} occupied vis-à-vis the {{transl|el|domestikos tōn scholōn}}, or why some officers received the former rather than the latter title. The precise arrangement suggested by Oikonomides is certainly not in evidence in the 11th and 12th centuries, when the term likely signified a commander-in-chief for a field army composed of professional regiments ({{transl|el|[[tagma (military)|tagmata]]}}), rather than an institutionalized position.{{sfn|ODB|loc="Stratopedarches" (A. Kazhdan), pp. 1966–1967}}
{{sfn|Kühn|1991|pp=262–265}} 

===Late Byzantine period===
[[File:Theodore II Laskaris.jpg|thumb|upright=0.65|Emperor [[Theodore II Laskaris]] ({{reign|1254|1258}}), George Mouzalon's friend and patron]]
The title '''{{transl|el|megas stratopedarchēs}}''' ('grand master of the camp') was instituted {{circa|1255}} by the Emperor [[Theodore II Laskaris]] ({{reign|1254|1258}}) for his chief minister and confidante, [[George Mouzalon]].{{sfn|Macrides|2007|p=299}} Theodore II states in a decree that he "established the dignity anew", but no other holder of the office is known before that time.{{sfn|Guilland|1967|p=504}} The mid-14th century ''Book of Offices'' of [[pseudo-Kodinos]] places the {{transl|el|megas stratopedarchēs}} as the ninth-most senior official of the state below the Emperor, ranking between the {{transl|el|[[protostrator|prōtostratōr]]}} and the {{transl|el|[[primicerius|megas primmikērios]]}}.{{sfn|Verpeaux|1966|p=137}}{{sfn|Guilland|1967|p=503}} Kodinos reports that he was "supervisor of the provisioning of the army, that is food, drink and all necessities".{{sfn|Verpeaux|1966|p=137}}{{sfn|Guilland|1967|p=503}} In reality, however, during the [[Palaiologan period]] (1261–1453) the {{transl|el|[megas] stratopedarchēs}} was most likely an honorific court title, and did not necessarily entail an active military command.{{sfn|ODB|loc="Stratopedarches" (A. Kazhdan), pp. 1966–1967}}{{sfn|Guilland|1967|pp=511–512}} Like many other titles in the Palaiologan period, the post could be held by two people simultaneously.{{sfn|Guilland|1967|p=503}} According to Pseudo-Kodinos, the ceremonial costume of the {{transl|el|megas stratopedarchēs}} was identical to the offices immediately superior to it: a rich silk {{transl|el|[[kabbadion]]}} tunic, a golden-red {{transl|el|skiadion}} hat decorated with embroideries in the {{transl|el|klapōton}} style, without veil, or a domed{{transl|el|skaranikon}} hat, again in red and gold and decorated with golden wire, with a portrait of the emperor standing in front, and another of him enthroned in the rear. Only his staff of office ({{transl|el|dikanikion}}) differed, with all the knobs except the topmost in silver, and golden engraved knots.{{sfn|Guilland|1967|p=503}}{{sfn|Verpeaux|1966|pp=153–154}}

Pseudo-Kodinos further reports the existence of four subordinate {{transl|el|stratopedarchai}}, occupying the 65th to 68th rank in the imperial hierarchy respectively.{{sfn|Verpeaux|1966|p=139}}{{sfn|Guilland|1967|pp=503–504}} These were:
* The {{transl|el|stratopedarchēs}} of the {{transl|el|monokaballoi}} (μονοκάβαλλοι, 'single-horsemen'). Kodinos explains that cavalry used to be raised in the themes according to the wealth of its owners, with the classes being {{transl|el|trikaballoi}}, {{transl|el|dikaballoi}}, and {{transl|el|monokaballoi}} after the number of horses each rider provided; a system similar to that current in Western Europe at the time.{{sfn|Guilland|1967|p=503}}{{sfn|Verpeaux|1966|p=187}}
* The {{transl|el|stratopedarchēs}} of the {{transl|el|tzangratores}} (τζαγγράτορες, '[[crossbow]]-men').{{sfn|Guilland|1967|pp=503–504}}{{sfn|Verpeaux|1966|p=187}}{{sfn|Bartusis|1997|p=299}}
* The {{transl|el|stratopedarchēs}} of the {{transl|el|mourtatoi}} (μουρτάτοι). According to Kodinos these were palace guards armed with the bow. Their name is commonly held to derive from the Arabo-Turkish word [[Murtad|''murted''/''murtat'']] ('apostate'), implying they were Christianized Turks, but according to Mark Bartusis may refer more generally to the offspring of mixed Greek–Turkish unions.{{sfn|Guilland|1967|p=504}}{{sfn|Verpeaux|1966|pp=180, 187}}{{sfn|Bartusis|1997|pp=276–278}}
* The {{transl|el|stratopedarchēs}} of the {{transl|el|tzakōnes}} (τζάκωνες, '[[Tsakonians]]'). The {{transl|el|tzakōnes}} or {{transl|el|Lakōnes}} (Λάκωνες, '[[Laconia]]ns') had served as [[marine (military)|marine]]s since [[Michael VIII Palaiologos]]. According to Kodinos, some served as palace guards, equipped with maces ({{transl|el|apelatikia}}) and wearing with a distinctive blue cuirass that bore two white lions facing each other on the chest, but the {{transl|el|stratopedarchēs}} supervised those {{transl|el|tzakōnes}} who were employed as garrison troops in various fortresses.{{sfn|Guilland|1967|p=504}}{{sfn|Verpeaux|1966|pp=180, 187}}{{sfn|Bartusis|1997|pp=312–313}}

The dress of these junior members of the court was the same: a white {{transl|el|skiadion}} with embroideries, a long {{transl|el|kabbadion}} of "commonly used silk", and a {{transl|el|skaranikon}} covered in red velvet and topped by a small red tassel. Their {{transl|el|dikanikia}} were of smooth, unadorned wood.{{sfn|Guilland|1967|p=503}}{{sfn|Verpeaux|1966|pp=156, 163, 165}}

The semi-autonomous [[Despotate of the Morea]] appears to have had a {{transl|el|megas stratopedarchēs}} and subordinate {{transl|el|stratopedarchai}} of its own.{{sfn|Guilland|1967|p=512}}

==List of known {{transl|el|stratopedarchai}}==
{| class="wikitable"  width="100%"
|- bgcolor="#FFDEAD"
|-
! width="18%" | Name
! width="10%" | Tenure
! width="18%" | Appointed by
! width="50%" | Notes
! width="2%"  | Refs
|-
| [[Peter (stratopedarches)|Peter]]
| 967–977
| [[Nikephoros II Phokas]]<br>[[John I Tzimiskes]]
| Eunuch servant of Nikephoros II, he was raised to {{transl|el|stratopedarchēs}} of the eastern armies and played a major role in the campaigns of the next decade. In 969 he led the [[Siege of Antioch (968–969)|capture]] of [[Antioch]] and forced the [[Hamdanid]] [[Emirate of Aleppo]] to become an imperial vassal, participated in the [[Siege of Dorostolon]], and was killed in 977 fighting against the rebel general [[Bardas Skleros]].
| {{sfn|Guilland|1967|p=499}}{{sfn|PmbZ|loc=Petros (#26496)}}{{sfn|Kühn|1991|p=265}}
|-
| [[Nikephoros (rhaiktor)|Nikephoros]]
| 1048–1050
| [[Constantine IX Monomachos]]
| A eunuch and former cleric, he was ignorant of military affairs but a trusted friend of Constantine IX. Named {{transl|el|[[rhaiktor|rhaiktōr]]}} and {{transl|el|stratopedarchēs}}, he succeeded in subduing the [[Shaddadid]] emir of [[Dvin (ancient city)|Dvin]], [[Abu'l-Aswar Shavur ibn Fadl]]. In the next year he was again commander-in-chief against the [[Pechenegs]] in the Balkans, but was defeated.
| {{sfn|Guilland|1967|pp=499–500}}{{sfn|Kühn|1991|pp=265–266}}
|-
| [[Isaac I Komnenos|Isaac Komnenos]]
| {{circa|1042}}–1054
| [[Constantine IX Monomachos]]
| A seal mentioning his titles as {{transl|el|[[magistros]]}}, {{transl|el|[[vestarches|vestarchēs]]}} and {{transl|el|stratopedarchēs}} of the East survives, and he was "relieved of the {{transl|el|stratopedarchia}} of the East" by Empress [[Theodora (11th century)|Theodora]] after her accession. He may however have been in reality a {{transl|el|domestikos tōn scholōn}}.
| {{sfn|Guilland|1967|p=500}}{{sfn|Kühn|1991|pp=266–267}}
|-
| [[Romanos Skleros]]
| {{circa|1055/57}}
| [[Constantine IX Monomachos]]<br>[[Theodora (11th century)|Theodora]]
| Great-grandson of the general and rebel Bardas Skleros, he rose to prominence due to his sister, who was the mistress of Constantine IX, and was raised successively to higher commands and titles. He ended his career with the titles of {{transl|el|[[proedros]]}}, {{transl|el|stratopedarchēs}} of the East and {{transl|el|[[dux|doux]]}} of [[Antioch]]. He may however have been in reality a {{transl|el|domestikos tōn scholōn}}.
| {{sfn|Guilland|1967|p=500}}{{sfn|Kühn|1991|p=267}}
|-
| [[Alexios Komnenos]]
| {{circa|1074}}
| [[Michael VII Doukas]]
| The future emperor is mentioned as {{transl|el|stratopedarchēs}} of the East in 1074, by his son-in-law and historian [[Nikephoros Bryennios the Younger]].
| {{sfn|Guilland|1967|p=500}}{{sfn|Kühn|1991|p=267}}
|-
| [[Eumathios Philokales]]
| 1092/3–1111/2
| [[Alexios I Komnenos]]
| One of the most distinguished commanders of Alexios I Komnenos, he was named {{transl|el|stratopedarchēs}} and governor of [[Cyprus]] in 1092/3, a post he held at least until 1111/12. By 1118, he had risen further to become {{transl|el|[[megas doux]]}}.
| {{sfn|Guilland|1967|pp=500–501}}{{sfn|Skoulatos|1980|pp=79–82}}
|-
| [[Aspietes (general under Alexios I)|Aspietes]]
| {{circa|1105}}
| [[Alexios I Komnenos]]
| Of noble Armenian descent, he served as {{transl|el|stratopedarchēs}} of the East and governor of [[Cilicia]] in {{circa|1105}}, but due to his negligence was defeated by [[Tancred of Antioch]].
| {{sfn|Guilland|1967|p=501}}{{sfn|Skoulatos|1980|p=30}}
|-
| [[Isaac Komnenos (son of Alexios I)|Isaac Komnenos]]
| unknown
| [[John II Komnenos]] (?)
| A {{transl|el|[[basileopator|basileopatōr]]}}, {{transl|el|[[sebastokrator|sebastokratōr]]}}, and {{transl|el|stratopedarchēs}} John Komnenos Doukas is attested in a seal of office. The first title is more suitable for [[Isaac Komnenos (brother of Alexios I)|Isaac]], the older brother of Alexios I who stepped aside for Alexios to accede to the throne, but the surname '[[Doukas]]' points to Alexios I's son Isaac. Apart from the title of {{transl|el|sebastokratōr}}, the other two titles are otherwise unattested for him.
| {{sfn|Guilland|1967|pp=501–502}}
|-
| Manuel Lykaïtes
| 12th century
| unknown
| Known only from a single seal, he was {{transl|el|stratopedarchēs}} and {{transl|el|doux}} of the great imperial camp and horse farms at [[Malagina]].
| {{sfn|Guilland|1967|p=502}}
|-
| Andronikos Komnenos
| 12th century
| unknown
| Mentioned by [[Eustathius of Thessalonica]], otherwise unidentified.
| {{sfn|Guilland|1967|p=502}}
|-
| [[Michael Phokas]]
| {{circa|1235–1253}}
| [[John III Vatatzes]]
| A relative by marriage of the [[Nicaean emperor]] John Vatatzes, he is attested as "{{transl|el|stratopedarchēs}} of the [[Thracesian Theme]] and of [[Alasehir|Philadelphia]]", in effect combining the role of a provincial governor ({{transl|el|doux}}) with the new role of the {{transl|el|stratopedarchēs}} as a fiscal intendant over a fixed circumscription.
| {{sfn|Guilland|1967|p=502}}
|-
| Theophanes
| mid-13th century
| unknown
| Mentioned, as "{{transl|el|stratopedarchēs}} and {{transl|el|paradotēs}}" (a fiscal official), in an act concerning possessions of the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian.
| {{sfn|Guilland|1967|p=502}}
|-
| George Sophianos
| {{circa|1280}}
| [[John V Palaiologos]]
| {{transl|el|Stratopedarchēs}} and governor of [[Karyopolis]] in the [[Morea]].
| {{sfn|Guilland|1967|p=512}}
|-
| Siouros
| {{circa|1303}}
| [[Andronikos II Palaiologos]]
| {{transl|el|Stratopedarchēs}} of the {{transl|el|tzangratores}}, sent to command troops against the [[Ottoman Turks]], he was defeated near the fortress of Katoikia, losing the army's pay chest.
| {{sfn|PLP|loc=25394. Σιοῦρος}}
|-
| Petzikopoulos
| before 1325
| [[Andronikos II Palaiologos]]
| Known through his wife Melane, daughter Eulogia, and sons Demetrios Doukas Petzikopoulos and John Senachereim, all active in [[Thessalonica]] in 1325–1327.
| {{sfn|PLP|loc=6275. Εὐλογία; 17638. Μελάνη; 22529. Πετζικόπουλος; 22531. Πετζικόπουλος, ∆ημήτριος ∆ούκας; 25150. Σεναχηρείμ, Ἰωάννης}}
|-
| John Choumnos
| {{circa|1344}}
| [[John V Palaiologos]]
| {{transl|el|[[Pansebastos sebastos]]}} and {{transl|el|stratopedarchēs}} of the {{transl|el|monokaballoi}}, mentioned in a [[chrysobull]] gifting him with lands at [[Zichnai]]. He was the son of either the {{transl|el|[[parakoimomenos]]}} [[John Choumnos]], or the {{transl|el|megas stratopedarchēs}} [[George Choumnos]].
| {{sfn|Guilland|1967|p=508}}{{sfn|PLP|loc=30953. Xοῦμνος Ἰωάννης}}
|-
| Demetrios
| {{circa|1348}}
| [[John VI Kantakouzenos]]
| Mentioned as recently deceased in a [[synod]]al act of November 1348 along with his brother, the {{transl|el|[[orphanotrophos]]}} Alexios. Their mother was a lady of the Xanthopoulos family.
| {{sfn|Guilland|1967|p=502}}{{sfn|PLP|loc=5335. ∆ημήτριος}}
|-
| Akrokondylos
| {{circa|1375}}
| unknown
| Mentioned among the donors of lands to the [[Brontochion Monastery]] at [[Mystras]].
| {{sfn|Guilland|1967|p=502}}{{sfn|PLP|loc=512. Ἀκροκόνδυλος}}
|-
| Kantakouzenos
| before 1453
| unknown
| Unnamed son of the {{transl|el|[[protostrator|prōtostratōr]]}} [[Manuel Kantakouzenos (protostrator)|Manuel Kantakouzenos]].
| {{sfn|PLP|loc=10978. Καντακουζηνὸς Μανουήλ}}
|-
|}

==List of known {{transl|el|megaloi stratopedarchai}}==
===Byzantine Empire===
{| class="wikitable"  width="100%"
|- bgcolor="#FFDEAD"
|-
! width="18%" | Name
! width="10%" | Tenure
! width="18%" | Appointed by
! width="50%" | Notes
! width="2%"  | Refs
|-
| [[George Mouzalon]]
| {{circa|1255}}
| [[Theodore II Laskaris]]
| A childhood friend and the closest confidante of Theodore II, he was raised to the high ranks of {{transl|el|[[protosebastos|prōtosebastos]]}}, {{transl|el|megas stratopedarchēs}}, and later {{transl|el|[[megas domestikos]]}} and {{transl|el|[[protovestiarios|prōtovestiarios]]}}. He was assassinated by the nobles under [[Michael VIII Palaiologos]] soon after Theodore II's death.
| {{sfn|Guilland|1967|p=504}}
|-
| Balaneidiotes
| {{circa|1259}} – before 1266
| [[Michael VIII Palaiologos]]
| A page of Theodore II but of humble origin, he was betrothed on the emperor's wish to Theodora, daughter of [[Martha Palaiologina]] (sister of the future emperor Michael VIII) and the {{transl|el|megas domestikos}} [[Nikephoros Tarchaneiotes]]. The betrothal was abruptly terminated by the emperor, who forced Theodora to marry the elderly [[Basil Kaballarios]]. Theodora and her mother opposed the marriage, and it remained unconsummated. After Michael VIII became emperor, he allowed his niece to marry Balanidiotes, and named him {{transl|el|megas stratopedarchēs}}. He died before 1266.
| {{sfn|Guilland|1967|p=505}}{{sfn|PLP|loc=2057. Βαλανειδιώτης; 27510. <Ταρχανειώτισσα> Θεοδώρα}}
|-
| [[John Synadenos (megas stratopedarches)|John Komnenos Doukas Angelos Synadenos]]
| {{circa|1276/77}} – before 1266
| [[Michael VIII Palaiologos]]<br>[[Andronikos II Palaiologos]]
| He was named {{transl|el|megas stratopedarchēs}} in {{circa|1276/77}}, when he led an army against [[John I Doukas]] of [[Thessaly]]. He was defeated and captured at the [[Battle of Pharsalus (1277)|Battle of Pharsalus]], but evidently released soon after. In {{circa|1280}} he married Theodora, daughter of [[Constantine Palaiologos (half-brother of Michael VIII)|Constantine Palaiologos]] and niece of Emperor Michael VIII. In 1281 he was one of the imperial commanders that raised the [[Siege of Berat (1280–1281)|Siege of Berat]] and in 1283/4, he was sent, along with the {{transl|el|megas domestikos}} [[Alexios Raoul]], at the head of a fleet to [[Demetrias]]. He died as a monk, leaving behind two sons, [[Theodore Synadenos|Theodore]] and [[John Synadenos (megas konostaulos)|John Synadenos]], and a daughter, Euphrosyne.
| {{sfn|Guilland|1967|p=505}}{{sfn|PLP|loc=27125. Συναδηνός, Ἰωάννης Κομνηνὸς ∆ούκας Ἄγγελος}}
|-
| Libadarios
| {{circa|1296}}
| [[Andronikos II Palaiologos]]
| {{transl|el|[[Protovestiarites|Prōtovestiaritēs]]}} and governor of [[Neokastra]], he suppressed the usurpation attempt by [[Alexios Philanthropenos]] in late 1295, and was promoted to {{transl|el|megas stratopedarchēs}} as a reward. Possibly identical with [[Constantine Doukas Limpidares]], a general fighting against the Turks who defected to the [[Capetian House of Anjou|Angevins]] in 1307.
| {{sfn|Guilland|1967|pp=505–506}}{{sfn|PLP|loc=14859. Λιβαδάριος; 14940. Λιμπιδάρης, Κωνσταντῖνος ∆ούκας}}
|-
| Alexios
| late 13th/early 14th century
| [[Andronikos II Palaiologos]] (?)
| Known solely through the works of the court poet [[Manuel Philes]].
| {{sfn|PLP|loc=608. Ἀλέξιος}}
|-
| Raoul
| early 14th century
| [[Andronikos II Palaiologos]] (?)
| Known solely through the works of Manuel Philes. Was married and had children, who died early. Possibly the son of the {{transl|el|megas domestikos}} [[Alexios Raoul (died 1303)|Alexios Raoul]].
| {{sfn|PLP|loc=24105. Ῥαούλ}}
|-
| Manuel Palaiologos
| 14th century
| unknown
| Otherwise unknown, but perhaps the same as Manuel Tagaris, who married into the Palaiologos family.
| {{sfn|PLP|loc=21514. Παλαιολόγος Μανουήλ}}
|-
| [[Angelos Senachereim]]
| {{circa|1310/11–1311}} or 1315
| unknown
| Son of the {{transl|el|megas domestikos}} [[John Angelos Senachereim]], he was an experienced soldier, having fought against the Turks, the [[Albanians]], and the [[Catalan Company]] in the 1300s. In 1310/11 he was charged with escorting 2100 Turks under Halil, who had separated from the Catalans, through [[Macedonia (region)|Macedonia]] to the [[Hellespont]]. Instead of ferrying them over, as promised, the co-emperor [[Michael IX Palaiologos]] attacked them, but was defeated. His wife and children all died before him.
| {{sfn|Guilland|1967|p=506}}{{sfn|PLP|loc=25146. Σεναχηρεὶμ Ἄγγελος}}
|-
| [[Manuel Tagaris]]
| {{circa|1321–1329}}
| [[Andronikos II Palaiologos]]
| A brave and capable soldier of humble birth, his successful defence of [[Alasehir|Philadelphia]] against the Ottoman Turks had merited him the hand of Andronikos II's niece, Theodora Asanina. In 1321, the emperor charged him to hunt and capture his grandson, [[Andronikos III Palaiologos]], who had fled the capital, but Tagaris persuaded the emperor that this was unfeasible. He was the father of [[George Tagaris]], also a {{transl|el|megas stratopedarchēs}}.
| {{sfn|Guilland|1967|p=507}}{{sfn|PLP|loc=27400. Τάγαρις Μανουήλ}}
|-
| [[Andronikos Palaiologos (fl. 1320s)|Andronikos Palaiologos]]
| {{circa|1321–1324}}
| [[Andronikos III Palaiologos]]<br>[[Andronikos II Palaiologos]]
| Appointed {{transl|el|megas stratopedarchēs}} by Andronikos III during the early phase of his [[Byzantine civil war of 1321–1328|conflict]] with his grandfather, Andronikos II. Named governor of [[Stenimachos]] and [[Tzepaina]] in the [[Rhodope Mountains|Rhodope]] region, he defected to Andronikos II. In {{circa|1324}} he was sent as envoy to [[Michael Shishman of Bulgaria]].
| {{sfn|Guilland|1967|p=507}}{{sfn|PLP|loc=21428. Παλαιολόγος Ἀνδρόνικος}}
|-
| [[Sphrantzes Palaiologos]]
| 1334–1339
| [[Andronikos III Palaiologos]]
| A minor nobleman, he was named {{transl|el|megas stratopedarchēs}} as a reward for assassinating the renegade general [[Syrgiannes Palaiologos]]. He died of [[typhus]] in 1339 while campaigning in [[Acarnania]].
| {{sfn|Guilland|1967|p=508}}{{sfn|PLP|loc=27282. Σφραντζῆς Παλαιολόγος}}
|-
| [[Andronikos Palaiologos (died 1344)|Andronikos Palaiologos]]
| 1341–1342
| [[John V Palaiologos]]
| Appointed {{transl|el|megas stratopedarchēs}} after the coronation of John V on 19 November 1341, he was soon promoted to {{transl|el|prōtostratōr}} and fought against [[John VI Kantakouzenos]] during the [[Byzantine civil war of 1341–1347]].
| {{sfn|Guilland|1967|p=507}}{{sfn|PLP|loc=21433. Παλαιολόγος, Ἀνδρόνικος}}
|-
| [[George Choumnos]]
| 1341–1342
| [[John V Palaiologos]]
| Long-serving official and governor in [[Thessalonica]] in 1328 and Constantinople in 1339, as well as {{transl|el|[[epi tes trapezes|epi tēs trapezēs]]}}. He was appointed {{transl|el|megas stratopedarchēs}} after the coronation of John V on 19 November 1341, but fell into disfavour and was placed under house arrest in late 1342 for advocating a compromise peace with [[John VI Kantakouzenos]] during the civil war of 1341–1347.
| {{sfn|Guilland|1967|pp=507–508}}{{sfn|PLP|loc=30945. Xοῦμνος Γεώργιος}}
|-
| [[John Vatatzes (megas stratopedarches)|John Vatatzes]]
| 1343–1345
| [[John VI Kantakouzenos]]
| {{transl|el|[[Protokynegos|Prōtokynēgos]]}} and {{transl|el|[[megas chartoularios]]}}. Originally a partisan of the anti-Kantakouzenos regency in the civil war, in 1341–1342 and again in 1343 he defected to John VI Kantakouzenos, who named him {{transl|el|megas stratopedarchēs}}. He was killed by Turkish mercenaries at [[Altınyazı, Uzunköprü|Garella]] in 1345. His son was married to the daughter of Patriarch [[John XIV Kalekas]], and his two daughters were married to the son of the {{transl|el|megas doux}} [[Alexios Apokaukos]], and to the emir of the [[Karasids]], Suleyman.
| {{sfn|Guilland|1967|pp=509–510}}{{sfn|PLP|loc=2518. Βατάτζης Ἰωάννης}}
|-
| [[Demetrios Tzamplakon]]
| 1345–1366/7
| [[John VI Kantakouzenos]]
| Son of [[Alexios Tzamplakon]], landowner in Macedonia, and supporter of Kantakouzenos. He unsuccessfully opposed the surrender of [[Serres]] to the Serbian ruler [[Stephen Dushan]] in 1345, and retired to [[Kavala|Christopolis]] after that.
| {{sfn|Guilland|1967|p=509}}{{sfn|PLP|loc=27755. Τζαμπλάκων ∆ημήτριος}}
|-
| [[George Tagaris]]
| 1346–1355
| [[John V Palaiologos]]<br>[[John VI Kantakouzenos]]
| Son of the {{transl|el|megas stratopedarchēs}} [[Manuel Tagaris]]. Sent by Empress-dowager [[Anna of Savoy]] to the [[Saruhanids]] for aid in 1346, attested in 1355 as a supporter of the Union of the Churches.
| {{sfn|Guilland|1967|p=510}}{{sfn|PLP|loc=27399. Τάγαρις Γεώργιος}}
|-
| Peter Koutzalas
| {{circa|1348}}
| unknown
| Landowner near [[Trikala]], attested in an act of donation to the [[Lykousada Monastery]] at [[Fanari, Karditsa|Fanari]].
| {{sfn|PLP|loc=13618. Kουτζαλᾶς Πέτρος}}
|-
| Michael Philanthropenos
| {{circa|1350}} or earlier
| [[John V Palaiologos]] (?)
| Attested as landowner in [[Chalcidice]], and as a "cousin" of [[John V Palaiologos]].
| {{sfn|Guilland|1967|p=511}}{{sfn|PLP|loc=29774. Φιλανθρωπηνὸς Μιχαήλ}}
|-
| [[George Synadenos Astras]]
| {{circa|1354}} – before 1366
| [[John VI Kantakouzenos]]<br>[[John V Palaiologos]]
| In 1354 he was entrusted with the renovation of the [[Hagia Sophia]]. Later governor of [[Aenus (Thrace)|Ainos]], [[Lemnos]], and [[Thessalonica]], where he died in 1365/66 of the [[plague (disease)|plague]].
| {{sfn|Guilland|1967|p=509}}{{sfn|PLP|loc=1598. Ἀστρᾶς, Γεώργιος Συναδηνός}}
|-
| [[Demetrios Angelos Metochites]]
| {{circa|1355}}
| [[John VI Kantakouzenos]]
| Son of [[Theodore Metochites]], governor of [[Strumitza]] in 1326 and of [[Serres]] in 1328/29. Addressed by [[Pope Innocent VI]] in 1355 as a supporter of the Union of the Churches.
| {{sfn|Guilland|1967|p=511}}{{sfn|PLP|loc=17980. Μετοχίτης, ∆ημήτριος Ἂγγελος}}
|-
| [[Alexios and John Palaiologos|Alexios]]
| 1358 – before 1373
| [[John V Palaiologos]]
| Son of the {{transl|el|megas domestikos}} [[Demetrios Palaiologos (megas domestikos)|Demetrios Palaiologos]], ruler, along with his brother, the {{transl|el|megas primmikērios}} John, of the coastal region around the [[Strymon River]] and the island of [[Thasos]] from {{circa|1357}} until his death sometime between 1368 and 1373. In 1362/3 he founded the [[Pantokratoros Monastery]] on [[Mount Athos]] along with his brother.
| {{sfn|Guilland|1967|p=511}}{{sfn|PLP|loc=(609.) 91128. Ἀλέξιος}}
|-
| [[Markos Palaiologos Iagaris]]
| 1430 – unknown
| [[John VIII Palaiologos]]
| Frequently employed as a diplomatic envoy to Western powers and the Ottomans between 1417 and 1438, he was promoted to {{transl|el|megas stratopedarchēs}} from {{transl|el|prōtostratōr}} in 1429/30.
| {{sfn|Guilland|1967|pp=511–512}}{{sfn|PLP|loc=7811. Ἰάγαρις, Μάρκος Παλαιολόγος}}
|-
| Phrangopoulos
| by 1437
| unknown
| Attested only as emissary between [[John Eugenikos]] and [[Bessarion]].
| {{sfn|PLP|loc=30090. Φραγγόπουλος}}
|-
| [[Demetrios Palaiologos Metochites]]
| 1444–1453
| [[John VIII Palaiologos]]<br>[[Constantine XI Palaiologos]]
| Governor of Lemnos, he was named {{transl|el|megas stratopedarchēs}} in 1444. He was the last governor of Constantinople, serving from 1449. He was killed along with his sons during the [[Fall of Constantinople]] in 1453.
| {{sfn|Guilland|1967|p=512}}{{sfn|PLP|loc=17981. Μετοχίτης, ∆ημήτριος Παλαιολόγος}}
|-
|}

===Empire of Trebizond===
{| class="wikitable"  width="100%"
|- bgcolor="#FFDEAD"
|-
! width="18%" | Name
! width="10%" | Tenure
! width="18%" | Appointed by
! width="50%" | Notes
! width="2%"  | Refs
|-
| Sebastos
| {{circa|1340}}
| [[Basil of Trebizond|Basil Megas Komnenos]]
| Among the leaders of the opposition to Empress [[Irene Palaiologina of Trebizond|Irene Palaiologina]] at the beginning of the [[Trapezuntine Civil War]]s. Defeated and exiled to [[Limnia (Pontus)|Limnia]], where he was executed in June 1341.
| {{sfn|PLP|loc=25091. Σεβαστός}}
|-
| [[Theodore Pileles Doranites]]
| {{circa|1349/50}}
| [[Alexios III of Trebizond|Alexios III Megas Komnenos]] (?)
| One of the leading figures in the Trapezuntine Civil Wars, imprisoned in 1349/50, released and promoted to {{transl|el|prōtovestiarios}}, imprisoned again and executed in July 1352.
| {{sfn|PLP|loc=5887. ∆ωρανίτης, Θεόδωρος Πιλέλης}}
|-
| Sampson
| {{circa|1355}}
| [[Alexios III of Trebizond|Alexios III Megas Komnenos]]
| Attested only as escorting the rebel leader [[Niketas Scholares]] to [[Trabzon|Trebizond]] in October 1355.
| {{sfn|PLP|loc=24786. Σαμψών}}
|-
|}

==References==
{{reflist|24em}}

==Sources==
{{Portal|Byzantine Empire}}
* {{cite book|last=Applebaum|first=Shimon|title=Judaea in Hellenistic and Roman Times: Historical and Archeological Essays|location=Leiden|publisher=Brill|year=1989|isbn=978-90-04-08821-4 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ScwUAAAAIAAJ}}
* {{cite book|last=Bartusis|first=Mark C.|year=1997|title=The Late Byzantine Army: Arms and Society 1204–1453|location=Philadelphia, Pennsylvania|publisher=University of Pennsylvania Press|isbn=0-8122-1620-2 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rUs-hHd89xAC}}
* {{Recherches sur les institutions byzantines | volume = I | chapter = Le Stratopédarque et le Grand statopédarque | pages = 498–521 }}
* {{Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium|ref={{harvid|ODB}}}}
* {{cite book|last=Kühn|first=Hans-Joachim|title=Die byzantinische Armee im 10. und 11. Jahrhundert: Studien zur Organisation der Tagmata|language=de|year=1991|location=Vienna|publisher=Fassbaender Verlag |isbn=3-9005-38-23-9}}
* {{Prosopographie der mittelbyzantinischen Zeit | volume = online}}
* {{cite book|last=Macrides|first=Ruth|authorlink=Ruth Macrides|title=George Akropolites: The History |location=Oxford|publisher=Oxford University Press|year=2007|isbn=978-0-19-921067-1 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=v_0LdWboHXwC}}
* {{cite book|last=Oikonomides|first=Nicolas|authorlink=Nicolas Oikonomides|title=Les listes de préséance byzantines des IXe et Xe siècles|location=Paris|publisher=Editions du Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique |year=1972 |language=fr |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RFdmAAAAMAAJ}}
* {{Les personnages byzantins de l'Alexiade}}
* {{cite book |first=Harry W. |last=Tajra |title=The Martyrdom of St. Paul: Historical and Judicial Context, Traditions, and Legends |publisher=Wipf and Stock Publishers |year=2010 |isbn=978-1-61097-006-8 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MdlMAwAAQBAJ}}
* {{Prosopographisches Lexikon der Palaiologenzeit}}
* {{cite book |editor-first=Jean |editor-last=Verpeaux |title=Pseudo-Kodinos, Traité des Offices |publisher=[[French National Centre for Scientific Research|Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique]] |year=1966 |language=fr |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=910QAQAAIAAJ}}

{{Byzantine offices after pseudo-Kodinos}}

[[Category:Byzantine army]]
[[Category:Byzantine military offices]]
[[Category:Greek words and phrases]]
[[Category:Lists of office-holders in the Byzantine Empire]]