Alexander : a history of the origin and growth of the art of war from ...

GRADES. 169Antipater was left in Macedonia as quasi-regent ; Parmenioaccompanied the army to Asia. He stood to Alexandersomewhat in the same relation as Meade to Grant in1864. But Alexander habitually commanded the right,Parmenio the left wing in person.3. The seven somatophylaxes (confidential body-guards), generalofficers who were placed in command of large detachmentsfor special service, or who held important commandsto which they might be appointed by the king, oracted as aides-de-camp.4. Tetraphalangiarch, or commander of a quadruple phalanx.5. Diphalangiarch, or commander of a double phalanx.6. Phalangiareh, or commander of a simple phalanx of fourthousand and ninety-six hoplites.These three titles were more descriptive of commandtemporarily enjoyed than of a rank as distinct as lieutenant-general,major-general or brigadier-general of to-day.7. Chiliarch or taxiarch or strategos, colonel of infantry, andhipparch, colonel of cavalry.8. Xenagos, syntagmatarch, major of foot. Just how highin rank the uragos, or second major of the syntagma was,is not clear.9. Taxiarch, captain.10. Tetrarch, lieutenant.11. Lochagos, sergeant.There were officers of cavalry, whose rank was assimilatedto the last four ; and the light troops were similarlyofficered throughout.The word of the king was supreme law. But it was commonto summon councils of war from time to time to decidematters of great moment. Just how far these were requiredby law or precedent does not appear, but they wereconstantly called as if a matter of rote. In such councils