CLERUCH Meaning and
Definition
-
Cleruch, also known as Cleruchy, is a term that dates back to ancient Greece and specifically refers to a system of land distribution and settlement. The term was derived from the Greek word "klērouchos," which means "lot holder" or "spear-holder."
In ancient times, a cleruch was a citizen-soldier who received a portion of land as an allotment from the city-state, typically as a reward for military service or as a means of encouraging the colonization of new territories. These land grants were usually situated in conquered or newly acquired territories and were governed by the issuing city-state.
The purpose of establishing a cleruchy was twofold: to strengthen the presence and influence of the ruling city-state in the newly acquired region and to provide a secure means of support for the cleruchs themselves. The land granted to the cleruchs was typically farmed by tenant farmers, who paid a portion of their crops or profits to the cleruch as rent or tribute.
Cleruchs lived in organized communities and were expected to serve in the military when needed. They formed a loyal and influential group within the city-state's colonies, playing a significant role in maintaining control and managing affairs in the territories where they were settled.
The concept of cleruchies was particularly prevalent in ancient Greece during the Classical period, notably in the city-state of Athens. However, the practice of establishing cleruchies gradually declined over time and became less common in later centuries.
Common Misspellings for CLERUCH
- xleruch
- vleruch
- fleruch
- dleruch
- ckeruch
- cperuch
- coeruch
- clwruch
- clsruch
- cldruch
- clrruch
- cl4ruch
- cl3ruch
- cleeuch
- cleduch
- clefuch
- cletuch
- cle5uch
- cle4uch
- clerych
Etymology of CLERUCH
The word "cleruch" has its roots in the Ancient Greek language. It is derived from the Greek term "klērouchos", which is a combination of "klēros" meaning "lot" or "inheritance" and "echein" meaning "to possess" or "to hold".
In Ancient Greece, a "klērouchos" referred to a soldier or citizen who was given land as an allotment or inheritance, typically as part of a military colony. These land allotments, known as "cleruchies", were a means of rewarding and ensuring the loyalty of soldiers and colonists who helped to establish new settlements or guard existing ones. The term "cleruch" is a modern English adaptation of "klērouchos" used to refer to such individuals.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
