epkiai

Epikai (Επίκαιρος) was a term used in ancient Greece to describe a rich or wealthy individual. The term is generally considered to be synonymous with the English word "aristocrat". In the context of ancient Greece, the Epikai class was one of the most prominent in society, comprising members of the aristocracy who held significant amounts of power and wealth.

These individuals typically resided in lavishly decorated homes, sporting fine clothing and accessories. The life of an Epikai was marked by luxury and leisure, with little concern for the everyday hardships faced by common people. Many members of the Epikai class were also patrons of the arts, commissioning works from prominent poets, musicians, and performers of the time.

The Epikai were largely associated with the city-states of Athens and Sparta, where they wielded considerable influence over the political and social landscapes. As powerful patrons, they helped shape the cultural and artistic trends in pre-Classical Greece. The era of Epikai dominance roughly spanned from the early Classical period to around the 4th century BCE, when the activity of the masses and the subsequent decline of the aristocracy reshaped the social and cultural dynamics of ancient Greece.

While the specific power and status of Epikai varied from region to region, their status as prominent, well-resourced individuals remained a significant factor in the dynamics of ancient Greek society.