lochus

LOCHUS(λόχος). [EXERCITUSVol. I. pp. 769, 770, 775.]

(λόχος). The Greek designation of a body of foot soldiers. Among the Spartans it denoted in early times the largest divisions into which the whole population capable of bearing arms was grouped. Each of these (according to Thuc.v. 66 and 68) comprised four πεντηκοστύες of four ἐνωμοτίαι each, an ἐνωμοτία containing on an average thirty-two men. The name also denoted the individuals comprised therein. Later ( Rep. Lac. ii. 4) it was the name of the four subdivisions of a mora (q.v.). In Greek mercenary troops a lochus was a company of one hundred men under a separate commander. Several of these companies were united under the superior command of a στρατηγός (q. v.).