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The Aristoi (Greek: ἄριστοι) was the label given to the noblemen in ancient Greek society, and in particular ancient Athens. The term literally means "best", with the denotation of best in terms of birth, rank, and nobility, but also usually possessing the connotation of also being the morally best.〔(【引用サイトリンク】title=Greek Word Study Tool )〕 The term in fact derives similarly with arete: "The root of the word is the same as ''aristos'', the word which shows superlative ability and superiority, and "aristos" was constantly used in the plural to denote the nobility."〔''Paideia; the Ideals of Greek Culture'', Werner Jaeger, Oxford University Press, NY, 1945. Vol. I, pg 5.〕 ==History== Originally, the Aristoi were tightly-knit families who had noble lineage, such as the Bacchiadae in ancient Corinth. In the early 6th century BC, Solon promulgated constitutional reforms in Athens. Among the changes, the status and power of the old aristocracy was altered by making wealth rather than birth a criterion for holding political position. This system was called a Timocracy(Greek: τιμοκρατία). This division called for a new division. Thus, citizens were organized based on their land production: # Pentacosiomedimni (or Pentakosiomedimnoi), who had at least 500 bushels of wet or dry goods (or their equivalent) as yearly income # Hippeis, who had at least 300 bushels (or their equivalent) as yearly income # Zeugitae, who were possessors of a yoke of oxen, with at least 150 bushels (or their equivalent) as yearly income # Thetes, who were workers for wages, or had less than 150 bushels (or their equivalent) as yearly income This new system established the pentakosiomedimnoi as the aristoi. As such, they were often split into powerful family factions or clans, who controlled all of the important political positions in the polis. Their wealth usually came from both having property the most fertile or protected lands.〔(【引用サイトリンク】title=Greek Society )〕 However, as the status was predicated on his wealth, and losing it would cause the loss of nobility, the advent of sea trade routes placed the aristoi at risk of losing everything through failed overseas investments.〔(【引用サイトリンク】title=Ancient Greek History - Gingko App )〕 Pittacus of Mytilene instituted a law stating that crimes committed in drunkenness should be punished twofold;〔Aristotle, ''Politics'' 1274b 18–23〕 this law was directed predominately against the aristocrats, as they were more often guilty of drunk and violent behaviour. As such, it was greatly appreciated by the common people.〔McGlew, 1993: 95 n. 16.〕〔Jon Ploug Jørgensen, ''The taming of the aristoi - an ancient Greek civilizing process?'' History of the Human Sciences: July 2014 vol. 27 no. 3, pg 45〕 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Aristoi」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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