Sparapet

Sparapet (Armenian: ) was a hereditary title of supreme commander of the armed forces in ancient and medieval Armenia. It originated in the 2nd century BC, under the reign of King Artaxias I, and was used in the Kingdom of Armenia and the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia (in Cilicia, the bearer of the title was known as a Gundstabl (գունդստաբլ, from the Byzantine and Western title of constable). Sparapet was the equivalent of the Parthian Spahbed (cf. Georgian spaspet "high constable, commander in chief").

The title of Sparapet was traditionally held by the representatives of the House of Mamikonian since the beginning of the rule of the Arsacid kings of Armenia. Later in history, the title was held by the Bagratuni and Artsruni dynasties.

The 18th century commander Mkhitar Sparapet led the Armenian efforts for independence in Syunik (Zangezur) region.

The title "Sparapet of Syunik" (Սյունյաց սպարապետ) was held by the Garegin Nzhdeh, as supreme commander of the Republic of Mountainous Armenia, in 1920–21.

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.

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