Promachos

In today's world, Promachos has become a topic of increasing interest to a large number of people. Whether due to its impact on society, its relevance in history, its influence on popular culture or its importance in the scientific field, Promachos has captured the attention of a wide spectrum of the population. In this article, we will explore different aspects related to Promachos, from its origins to its evolution today, in order to provide a complete and enriching vision of this topic. Through analysis, data and relevant testimonies, it aims to shed light on Promachos and its meaning within different contexts, giving readers a deeper and more insightful perspective on this matter.

Promachos in a Greek phalanx

In ancient Greece and during the Byzantine era, the Promachoi (singular: Promachos; Greek: πρόμαχος) were the men fighting in the first rank of the phalanx.[1][2] The word can also be used as an adjective as in "promachos line"[3] referring to the first line of battle.

The first use of the word is recorded in Homer's Iliad.[4][5] An obsolete English literal translation of promachos is forefighter, in Dutch voorvechter.

Name

  • Promachos (Πρόμαχος), a young man from Knossos.[6]

Sanctuaries - Statues

  • Athena Promachos, the famous bronze statue by Phidias that towered over the Parthenon.
  • Hermes Promachos, a sanctuary at Tanagra was dedicated to him.[7][8]
  • Heracles Promachos, a white marble statue of Heracles in the Heracles Sanctuary at Thebes. The Thebans Xenocrites (Ξενοκρίτης) and Eubius (Εὔβιος) created the statue.[9]

References

  1. ^ Perseus Project - Greek Word Study Tool (πρόμαχος).
  2. ^ Sylloge Tacticorum, 45.15
  3. ^ Leo VI. Tactica, 12.43
  4. ^ Homer Iliad, 14.476
  5. ^ Homer Iliad, 14.482
  6. ^ Conon, Narrations (Photius), 16
  7. ^ Pausanias, Description of Greece, 9.22.1
  8. ^ Pausanias, Description of Greece, 9.22.2
  9. ^ Pausanias, Description of Greece, 9.11.4