# tetrarch

## Definition

A tetrarch was a governing official who ruled over a division of the Roman Empire. Each tetrarch was under the authority of the Roman emperor.

* The title "tetrarch" comes from the fact that each tetrarch ruled over one of four divisions.
* Each division covered one or more provinces, such as Galilee or Samaria.
* "Tetrarch" could also be translated as "ruler" or "governor."