plutarchy etymology

Etymology

The term "plutarchy" is derived from the Greek word "πλουταρχία" (ploutarkhia), which is composed of two elements:

  • "πλοῦτος" (ploutos): meaning "wealth" or "riches"
  • "ἀρχή" (arkhē): meaning "rule" or "authority"

Meaning

Plutarchy can be defined as:

  • A government ruled by a wealthy elite: A political system in which a small group of wealthy individuals holds the majority of power and influence.
  • A historical period characterized by the dominance of the wealthy: A time in history when the wealthy class exerts a significant role in shaping society and government.

Origin

The term "plutarchy" was first used in ancient Greece to describe a form of government in which the wealthy class exercised disproportionate power. In particular, it was associated with governments of the Hellenistic period (323-146 BCE), after the death of Alexander the Great.

During this period, the wealth acquired by Alexander's generals and their successors led to the emergence of a wealthy elite that controlled significant political and economic power. These elites often ruled over vast territories and exerted influence over the lives of ordinary citizens.

The term "plutarchy" was later adopted by historians to describe similar political arrangements in other historical periods, such as the Roman Republic and the Italian city-states of the Renaissance.

plutarchy relate terms

  • Pluto

    Etymology The name Pluto derives from the Greek god of the underworld Plouton which

  • Hades

    Etymology The name Hades derives from the Greek word Haides which originally meant th

  • plutocracy

    Etymology From Late Latin plūtocrātia from Ancient Greek πλουτοκρατία pl

  • Pluto

    Etymology The name Pluto derives from the Greek god of the underworld Plouton which

  • plutarchy

    Etymology The term plutarchy is derived from the Greek word πλουταρχία plo

  • archon

    Etymology From Ancient Greek άρχων archōn meaning ruler Meaning and Origin

  • monarchy

    Etymology From Late Latin monarchia from Ancient Greek μοναρχία monarchia a

  • grave

    Etymology The word grave has its roots in the Latin word gravis which means heavy

  • oath

    Etymology The word oath comes from the Old English word að which means oath Thi

  • refrain

    Etymology Old French refraindre Medieval Latin refrangere Latin re back frang

  • dance

    Etymology The word dance traces its origins back to Old French dancier Latin da

  • beauty

    Etymology The word beauty originates from the Old French word beauté which in turn

  • friend

    Etymology The word friend comes from the Old English word freond which meant compa

  • plumb

    Etymology The word plumb has two distinct etymologies Latin From the Latin word pl

  • vanity

    Etymology From Middle English vanite from Old French vanité from Latin vanitas emp