Megas Domestikos

Megas Domestikos (Greek: μέγας δομέστικος), the Grand Domestic or Lord High Marshal is the eight of the Great Officers of the Realm, in Diadochia, being below the Megas Konostaulos and above the Mégas Doúkas Náv̱archos. The office is hereditary and the Duke of Cappadochia, does not use a ceremonial external ornament has most of the other Great Officers do, considering the fact that he is also Hereditary Domestikos Trapezēs or Grand Butler.

History

The title of Megas Domestikos derives from the older office of the Domestikos tōn Scholōn. During late classical era, before being superseded by the Megas Konostaulos, the holder was the unchallenged commander-in-chief of the army, except in the case of the emperor campaigning in person, when he functioned as a kind of chief of staff.

Throughout its existence the office has and still is regarded as one of the most important and prestigious positions, and originally held either by members of the Imperial family or by members of the Diadochian nobility. The title has been hereditary in the Maleinos family, being held by the Duke of Cappadochia since the 15th century with few interruptions. Prior to this the office was held by many members of the Imperial Family, and many nobles and a few members of the Maleinos family prior to being made hereditary in that family.