Cleruch meaning

A cleruch refers to a citizen in ancient Athens who received land in exchange for military service.


Cleruch definitions

Word backwards hcurelc
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division cle-ruch
Plural The plural of the word "cleruch" is "cleruchs."
Total letters 7
Vogais (2) e,u
Consonants (4) c,l,r,h

Cleruch Overview

A cleruch, in ancient Greece, was a member of a group of Athenian citizens who settled in a conquered territory, receiving plots of land in return for military service.

Historical Significance

This system was created by the Athenian statesman Pericles in the 5th century BC to extend Athenian influence throughout the Mediterranean while strengthening the city-state's military presence.

Roles and Responsibilities

Cleruchs were expected to defend the newly acquired territory, maintain loyalty to Athens, and participate in local governance.

Benefits and Challenges

While cleruchs enjoyed the privileges of land ownership and political participation, they faced potential hostility from local populations and the constant threat of warfare.

Legacy of Cleruch System

The cleruch system left a lasting impact on Athenian imperialism and military strategy, showcasing the city-state's ability to maintain control over distant territories through a network of loyal settlers.

Adaptation in Modern Context

The concept of cleruchism has been studied in contemporary political science and sociology as a model for understanding colonization, occupation, and power dynamics in complex societies.


Cleruch Examples

  1. The cleruch was responsible for distributing land to colonists in the new territory.
  2. As a cleruch, he oversaw the settlement's defenses and infrastructure.
  3. The cleruch ensured that the citizens had access to necessary resources.
  4. She served as a cleruch in charge of organizing public events in the community.
  5. The cleruch was instrumental in maintaining law and order in the colony.
  6. He was appointed as a cleruch to manage the allocation of funds for public projects.
  7. The cleruch played a key role in overseeing the city's agricultural production.
  8. In his role as a cleruch, he facilitated trade relations with neighboring cities.
  9. She was elected as a cleruch to represent the interests of the local population.
  10. The cleruch's duties included supervising the construction of new buildings in the settlement.


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  • Updated 02/07/2024 - 19:24:35