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The Aristoi (Ancient Greek: ἄριστοι) was the label given to the aristocracy in Ancient Greece 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. Goldman emphasizes that the notion of 'good work' has been a persistent theme in defining the ideals of excellence, suggesting that Aristoi were not only leaders but also exemplars of ethical conduct and civic responsibility. 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.
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 (Ancient Greek: τιμοκρατία).
This division called for a new division. Thus, citizens were organized based on their land production:
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. 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.
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 predominantly 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
Thucydides also speaks of how the Aristoi took cultural cues from the orient, such as "the luxury of wearing undergarments of linen, and fastening a knot of their hair with a tie of golden grasshoppers." This went out of fashion after the Athenian elite began to mimic the Lacedaemonians, wearing more modest garments in order "to assimilate their way of life to that of the common people".
The information in Athens, where elites began adopting more modest behaviors and styles was influence by broader civilizing trends. For example, the aristocratic adoption of Spartan simplicity reflects a deliberate effort that will align with the democratic values. This shift wasn't just about aesthetics but also signified a moral and political commitment to a shared civic identity.
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