aristoi

Aristo is a plural term, aristoi, from ancient Greek meaning “the best ones.” In classical Greek political thought and public life, aristoi referred to the leading citizens who held influence or power in oligarchic or aristocratic contexts. The concept is closely linked to the idea of aristokratia, the “rule of the best,” and is often contrasted with demos, the common people. The identity of the aristoi could be based on birth and wealth, but in some contexts it also encompassed demonstrated virtue, military skill, or civic service, so that “the best” might be defined by capability as much as privilege.

Historically, the aristoi formed the upper tier of many city-states, controlling offices, land, and public influence. In Athens, for example, aristocratic elements persisted within the broader democratic framework, as seen in institutions like the Areopagus that maintained aristocratic influence. In other polities, the aristoi ruled directly in oligarchies or shared power with other institutions. Philosophers discussed governance by the best as both an ideal and a critique of democratic or mob-rule tendencies. Plato depicted rule by the best as the ideal of philosopher-kings, while Aristotle analyzed systems where governance is by the best in virtue and warned that ability alone does not guarantee just leadership.

In modern usage, aristoi is primarily employed in historical and scholarly discussions of aristocracy, oligarchy, and political philosophy, rather than as a contemporary political category. See also aristocracy, aristocrat, meritocracy, oligarchy, Plato, and Aristotle.