title: Gal gestin
text: # Gal gestin
  
  The gal gestin was a Hittite military and administrative title literally meaning "chief of the wine stewards". It is considered to be one of the most important and prestigious posts of the Hittite Kingdom.
  
  ## History
  
  As a gal gestin a commander was personally responsible for the safety of the king. In most cases he was a member of the royal family and usually the brother of the king.
  
  A gal gestin would at times also participate in festivals, while like the gal mesedi he could command troops independent from the monarch's jurisdiction.
  
  ## Sources
  
  ### Notes
  
  * ↑ Bryce p.110
  * ↑ Beal p.356
  
  ### References
  
  * Bryce, Trevor (2004-12-17). Life and society in the Hittite world. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-927588-5. Retrieved 8 April 2011.
  * Beal, Richard Henry (1992). The organisation of the Hittite military. C. Winter. ISBN 978-3-533-04562-5. Retrieved 8 April 2011.
  