ΑΡΙΣΤΟΚΡΑΤΙΑ (aristokratia) — Lexarithmos 1113 · Etymology, Meanings

Definition

According to the Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon, ἀριστοκρατία (from ἄριστος “the best” and κράτος “power, rule”) is defined as “government by the best citizens,” i.e., by a small group of select individuals distinguished by their virtue, ability, and often noble birth. This concept was not merely a description of a political system but often an ideal, a form of government considered superior to democracy or oligarchy, as it was presumed to serve the common good.

Aristocracy in ancient Greece was not always synonymous with hereditary nobility, although it was frequently associated with it. In Platonic thought, for instance, aristocracy is the ideal form of government, where philosopher-kings, who are the “best” in wisdom and virtue, govern the city. Aristotle, while recognizing aristocracy as one of the correct forms of polity, distinguishes between true aristocracy (rule of the virtuous) and oligarchy (rule of the wealthy), which he considers its degenerate form.

The historical application of aristocracy varied. In Sparta, for example, the constitution had strong aristocratic elements, with power exercised by a small group of “equals” (Spartiate citizens) who had undergone rigorous training. In contrast, in Athens, democracy prevailed, although aristocratic families often retained significant influence. The concept of ἀριστοκρατία remained a constant point of reference and contention in political philosophy, highlighting the timeless quest for the best possible governance.

Etymology

ἀριστοκρατία ← ἄριστος + κράτος

The word ἀριστοκρατία is a compound, derived from two potent Greek roots: the adjective ἄριστος, meaning “the best, most excellent, noblest,” and the noun κράτος, meaning “power, authority, dominion.” This combination yields the concept of “the rule of the best.” The root ἀριστ- is associated with the notion of superiority and virtue, while the root κρατ- signifies the capacity to wield power or to be strong.

The etymological connection of ἀριστοκρατία to the roots ἄριστος and κράτος is clear and productive. From the root ἀριστ- derive words such as ἀριστεία (a deed of valor, distinction) and ἀριστεύω (to excel, be the best). From the root κρατ- derive words such as κρατέω (to rule, dominate), κρατερός (strong), and δημοκρατία (rule of the people), underscoring the central importance of power and governance in the Greek lexicon.

Main Meanings

Government by the best/most excellent citizens — The primary and ideal meaning, where power is exercised by a small group of virtuous and capable individuals for the common good. (Plato, «Republic»)
Polity with hereditary nobility — Often, aristocracy was associated with the rule of noble families who held land and social prestige.
The class of nobles/elites — Refers to the social class composed of aristocrats, regardless of whether they directly wielded power.
Degenerate form: Oligarchy — According to Aristotle, when aristocracy degenerates and the best rule for their own self-interest (wealth), it transforms into oligarchy. (Aristotle, «Politics»)
Ideal state — In Platonic philosophy, aristocracy is the ideal form of government, where philosopher-kings rule with wisdom and justice.
Meritocratic system — In some interpretations, aristocracy implies a system where the most capable and deserving individuals assume leadership, regardless of birth.

Word Family

arist- / krat- (roots of ἄριστος and κράτος)

The word ἀριστοκρατία is a compound derivative of two powerful roots: ἀριστ- and κρατ-. The root ἀριστ- comes from ἄριστος, meaning “the best, most excellent, noblest,” signifying superiority in quality or virtue. The root κρατ- comes from κράτος, meaning “power, authority, dominion,” indicating the ability to exert control. The coexistence of these two roots generates a family of words that explore the concepts of excellence, virtue, power, and governance, whether as an ideal or a reality.

ἄριστος adjective · lex. 881

The best, most excellent, noblest. The primary root indicating the quality of the rulers in an aristocracy. Widely used in ancient literature to describe superiority in any field, from martial prowess to moral virtue. (Homer, «Iliad»)

κράτος τό · noun · lex. 691

Power, authority, dominion. The second primary root of the word, referring to the capacity to exercise power. A central concept in political philosophy, describing the sovereign power in a state or constitution. (Hesiod, «Theogony»)

κρατέω verb · lex. 1226

To rule, dominate, prevail. The verb derived from κράτος, describing the act of exercising authority or gaining supremacy. Often used in a military or political context. (Thucydides, «Histories»)

ἀριστοκρατικός adjective · lex. 1402

Aristocratic, belonging to or relating to the aristocracy. Describes characteristics, qualities, or persons associated with the aristocratic class or form of government. (Aristotle, «Politics»)

ἀριστεία ἡ · noun · lex. 627

Deed of valor, distinction, excellence. Derived from ἄριστος and refers to an outstanding achievement, typically in battle, that brings honor and recognition. (Homer, «Iliad»)

ἀριστεύω verb · lex. 1816

To excel, be the best, achieve superiority. The verb describing the act of being the best or demonstrating virtue and ability. (Xenophon, «Anabasis»)

κρατερός adjective · lex. 796

Strong, powerful, mighty. An adjective emphasizing strength and power, derived from the root κρατ-. Describes both physical and political or military might. (Homer, «Odyssey»)

ἀριστοκρατέομαι verb · lex. 1248

To govern aristocratically, to be an aristocrat. The verb describing the act of ruling as an aristocrat or belonging to the aristocratic class. (Plutarch, «Parallel Lives»)

Philosophical Journey

The concept of ἀριστοκρατία traverses Greek history, evolving from a description of social structure to a complex philosophical ideal and practical political model.

8th-6th C. BCE

Archaic Period

In many Greek city-states, governance was in the hands of aristocratic genē (e.g., Eupatrids in Athens), who owned land and held political offices.

5th C. BCE

Pericles and Athenian Democracy

Although Athens adopted democracy, the concept of aristocracy remained as a counterpoint and a subject of criticism or admiration by various thinkers.

4th C. BCE

Plato

In his «Republic», Plato describes aristocracy as the ideal form of government, where philosopher-kings rule based on reason and virtue.

4th C. BCE

Aristotle

In his «Politics», Aristotle classifies aristocracy as one of the three correct forms of polity (along with monarchy and politeia), distinguishing it from oligarchy.

Hellenistic Period

Expansion and Transformation

After Alexander the Great's conquests, Greek city-states lost their autonomy, but aristocratic structures and ideas about aristocracy continued to influence local administrations and philosophical thought.

Roman Period

Continuity and Comparison

The Romans, with their own senatorial aristocracy, often compared and drew upon Greek theories of aristocracy, integrating them into their own political vocabulary.

In Ancient Texts

The concept of ἀριστοκρατία, as an ideal or reality, occupied many ancient authors:

«ἀριστοκρατίαν δὲ λέγωμεν τὴν ὑπὸ τῶν ἀρίστων ἀρχήν.»

Let us call aristocracy the rule by the best.

Aristotle, «Politics» 1293b

«ἐν μὲν γὰρ ἀριστοκρατίᾳ οἱ ἄριστοι ἄρχουσιν, ἐν δὲ ὀλιγαρχίᾳ οἱ πλούσιοι.»

For in an aristocracy the best rule, but in an oligarchy the wealthy.

Aristotle, «Politics» 1290a

«τὸ δὲ δὴ τέταρτον εἶδος πολιτείας, ὃ δὴ νῦν ὀνομάζομεν ἀριστοκρατίαν, τοῦτο δὴ τὸ πρῶτον καὶ ἄριστον.»

The fourth kind of constitution, which we now call aristocracy, this is indeed the first and best.

Plato, «Republic» 544c

Lexarithmic Analysis

The lexarithmos of the word ΑΡΙΣΤΟΚΡΑΤΙΑ is 1113, from the sum of its letter values:

Α = 1

Alpha

Ρ = 100

Rho

Ι = 10

Iota

Σ = 200

Sigma

Τ = 300

Tau

Ο = 70

Omicron

Κ = 20

Kappa

Ρ = 100

Rho

Α = 1

Alpha

Τ = 300

Tau

Ι = 10

Iota

Α = 1

Alpha

= 1113

Total

1 + 100 + 10 + 200 + 300 + 70 + 20 + 100 + 1 + 300 + 10 + 1 = 1113

1113 decomposes into 1100 (hundreds) + 10 (tens) + 3 (units).

The 18 Methods

Applying the 18 traditional lexarithmic methods to the word ΑΡΙΣΤΟΚΡΑΤΙΑ:

Method	Result	Meaning
Isopsephy	1113	Base lexarithmos
Decade Numerology	6	1+1+1+3 = 6 — The number 6 is associated with harmony, balance, and perfection, qualities often attributed to ideal aristocratic governance.
Letter Count	12	13 letters — The number 13 is often considered a number of change and transformation, reflecting the shifts of aristocracy from an ideal to a reality and its various forms.
Cumulative	3/10/1100	Units 3 · Tens 10 · Hundreds 1100
Odd/Even	Odd	Masculine force
Left/Right Hand	Right	Divine (≥100)
Quotient	—	Comparative method
Notarikon	Α-Ρ-Ι-Σ-Τ-Ο-Κ-Ρ-Α-Τ-Ι-Α	Arete Regulates Ischys Sophia Timē Orthotēs Kratos Rhetorikē Alētheia Taxis Isotēs Agathotēs (interpretive: Virtue Regulates Power Wisdom Honors Rectitude Authority Rhetoric Truth Order Equality Goodness)
Grammatical Groups	6V · 7C · 0A	6 vowels (A, I, O, A, I, A) and 7 consonants (R, S, T, K, R, T) — a balance suggesting the synthesis of different elements in the concept of aristocracy.
Palindromes	No
Onomancy	—	Comparative
Sphere of Democritus	—	Divination with lunar day
Zodiacal Isopsephy	Moon ☽ / Capricorn ♑	1113 mod 7 = 0 · 1113 mod 12 = 9

Isopsephic Words (1113)

Words from the Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon with the same lexarithmos (1113) as ἀριστοκρατία, but of different roots, offer interesting comparisons:

ἀκινδυνότης

«Akindynotēs», the state of being without danger or risk. The connection to aristocracy might suggest the desire for stability and security often pursued by aristocratic governments, or the privileged position of aristocrats that shields them from dangers.

λογιστονόμος

The «logistonomos», one who manages accounts or laws. This implies order and organization, elements considered essential for effective governance, whether aristocratic or otherwise.

παναρχαῖος

The «panarchaios», the very ancient. The connection to aristocracy may refer to the antiquity of aristocratic families or the adherence to traditional values and institutions that often characterize aristocratic thought.

προβάλλω

The verb «proballō», meaning “to put forward, present, protect.” It can be linked to aristocracy as the class that “puts forward” its leaders or that “protects” the interests of the city, or even as the idea that is “put forward” as an ideal constitution.

συμπρεπής

The «symprepēs», the fitting, appropriate, becoming. The connection to aristocracy might suggest an emphasis on decorum, order, and harmony often associated with aristocratic conduct and governance.

τερπνότης

The «terpnotēs», pleasure, delight. A more unexpected connection, perhaps suggesting the pursuit of a good life and aesthetic enjoyment often associated with the aristocratic way of life.

The LSJ lexicon contains a total of 64 words with lexarithmos 1113. For the full catalog and AI semantic filtering, see the interactive tool.

Sources & Bibliography

Liddell, H. G., Scott, R., Jones, H. S. — A Greek-English Lexicon, 9th ed. with revised supplement. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1996.
Plato — Republic. Translated by G.M.A. Grube, revised by C.D.C. Reeve. Hackett Publishing Company, 1992.
Aristotle — Politics. Translated by H. Rackham. Loeb Classical Library. Harvard University Press, 1932.
Thucydides — History of the Peloponnesian War. Translated by Rex Warner. Penguin Classics, 1972.
Jaeger, Werner — Paideia: The Ideals of Greek Culture. Vol. I-III. Oxford University Press, 1939-1944.
Ober, Josiah — Mass and Elite in Democratic Athens: Rhetoric, Ideology, and the Power of the People. Princeton University Press, 1989.