Aristocrats

Aristocrats were the "upper class" citizens of Ancient Greece. They replaced the monarchy in the polies of Greece. They formed the cavalry and hoplites, Ancient Greek soldiers, to protect their city state. The Aristocrats owned most of the land and ruled with a council. Power within the Greek city-states was held by large aristocratic geni, or clans. These aristocratic clans controlled large areas in Attica around Athens. Political power transferred to into the hands of the wealthiest people in the aristocracy. Because of this, the common Greek citizens did not have a say in political affairs. Aristotle describes this as follows: 


"Appointment to the supreme offices of state went by birth and wealth; and they were held at first for life, and afterwards for a term of ten years." (Athenian Constitution 3.1)

 They remained in control until the eighth century B.C.E, due to changing military tactics, they lost power in the city-states. Superiority in warfare no longer depended on the Aristocrats, rather the hoplite troops and Calvary.

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Rights of Aristocrats

The aristocrats had many more rights than the normal citizen due to their positions in the government and their social status. In Athens, aristocrats were more common and had certain rights depending on which city-state they resided in.

• Purchase as many slaves as they liked
• Purchase as much land as they like

RESPONSIBILITIES oF ARISTOCRATS

The Aristocrats had as many responsibilities as they did rights. The aristocrats not only had to manage their land, but sometimes had to manage an entire city-state. The responsibilities of an aristocrat are...

• Aristocrats had to voice the citizens' complaints (they often didn't do this due to greed)
• Aristocrats had to command the army of their city state

In conclusion, the Aristocrats were the highest class that an ancient Greek could ever hope to be born in. The responsibility for aristocrats is high , but the aristocrats get a higher education and pay.