COSMI

( κοσμοί ), the supreme magistrates in Crete, were ten in number, and were chosen, not from the body of the people, but from certain γένη or houses, which were probably of more pure Doric or Achaean descent than their neighbours. The first of them in rank was called pro tocos mus , and gave his name to the year. They commanded in war, and also conducted the busine of the state with the representatives and amba adors of other cities. Their period of office was a year; but any of them during that time might resign, and was also liable to deposition by his colleagues. In some cases, too, they might be indicted for neglect of their duties. On the whole, we may conclude that they formed the executive and chief power in most of the cities of Crete. IMG:6459379820872971714_ill120.jpg: Cothurnus. (From Statues of Artemis—Diana.)