Sparapet

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Sparapet (Armenian: Սպարապետ) was a hereditary military rank used in ancient and medieval Armenia. The bearer of the title was supreme commander of the armed forces. It was the equivalent of the Parthian Spahbod (cf. Georgian spaspet; Commander in chief). The House of Mamikonian traditionally held the title until their weakening and eventual settlement in the Byzantine Empire in the eighth century, when Bagratuni and Artsruni feudal lords adopted the rank. The office of Sparapet was also an important rank in the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia.

[edit] Modern Uses

After his assassination, Armenian Prime Minister Vazgen Sargsyan was called the Sparapet in some popular songs in reference to his military leadership in Karapakh. The title is also used for the Grand Commander of the Knights of Vartan, an Armenian American fraternal order. The title was held by Alex Manoogian during his leadership of that organization.