Politics > Cleruchy

Cleruchy

A cleruchy (Greek: κληρουχία, klerouchia) was a type of colony established by Athens during its period of imperial expansion in the 5th century BCE. Unlike traditional colonies, which were typically independent of their mother city, cleruchies remained politically and legally dependent on Athens. Here is a detailed exploration of the concept and significance of cleruchies:

Definition and Concept

Cleruchy: The term "cleruchy" comes from the Greek word "kleros," meaning "lot" or "portion of land." A cleruchy involved the redistribution of land in a conquered or allied territory to Athenian citizens, who retained their citizenship and allegiance to Athens.
Purpose: The primary purposes of establishing cleruchies were to relieve population pressures in Athens, provide land for poorer citizens, and exert control over strategic locations.

Characteristics and Structure

Land Redistribution: In a cleruchy, land was confiscated from local populations and distributed to Athenian settlers, known as cleruchs. These cleruchs were given allotments of land (kleroi) to farm.
Athenian Citizenship: Cleruchs maintained their Athenian citizenship and continued to participate in Athenian political life. They had the same rights and responsibilities as citizens residing in Athens.
Military Function: Cleruchies often served a military purpose, acting as garrisons to secure Athenian control over strategic areas and suppress potential revolts.

Historical Context and Examples

Expansion and Imperialism: Cleruchies were established as part of Athens' imperial strategy during the 5th century BCE, particularly after the Persian Wars and during the height of the Delian League.
Notable Cleruchies:
- Salamis: One of the earliest cleruchies was established on the island of Salamis in the early 5th century BCE. It was strategically important for controlling access to the Saronic Gulf.
- Euboea: Cleruchies were established on the island of Euboea, including in the cities of Chalcis and Eretria, to secure Athenian influence over this crucial region.
- Samos: After the revolt of Samos in 440 BCE, Athens established a cleruchy on the island to ensure its loyalty and control.
- Scione: Following the suppression of a revolt in 421 BCE, Athens established a cleruchy in Scione, redistributing land to Athenian settlers.

Significance and Impact

Economic Benefits: Cleruchies provided economic opportunities for poorer Athenian citizens by giving them land to farm. This helped alleviate economic inequalities and provided a safety valve for social tensions in Athens.
Political Control: By establishing cleruchies in strategic locations, Athens could exert greater political and military control over its empire. Cleruchs acted as loyal representatives of Athenian interests in these areas.
Cultural Integration: Cleruchies facilitated the spread of Athenian culture, laws, and institutions to other regions, promoting a form of cultural integration within the Athenian Empire.

Challenges and Criticisms

Local Resistance: The establishment of cleruchies often involved the confiscation of land from local populations, leading to resistance and resentment. This could result in revolts and conflicts.
Imperial Overreach: The policy of establishing cleruchies was part of Athens' broader imperial ambitions, which eventually contributed to tensions and conflicts with other Greek city-states, notably during the Peloponnesian War.

Decline and Legacy

Peloponnesian War: The outbreak and eventual outcome of the Peloponnesian War (431-404 BCE) significantly weakened Athens' ability to maintain its cleruchies. Many were abandoned or fell under the control of rival powers.
Legacy: Despite their decline, cleruchies left a lasting impact on the regions where they were established. They exemplify the ways in which Athens sought to extend its influence and manage its empire. The concept of cleruchies has been studied as an early example of colonialism and imperial control.

In summary, a cleruchy was a type of Athenian colony where land was redistributed to Athenian citizens, who retained their citizenship and allegiance to Athens. Cleruchies served economic, political, and military purposes, helping Athens to control strategic locations and alleviate social tensions. While they provided significant benefits to Athens, they also faced challenges and contributed to the broader tensions of Athenian imperialism. The legacy of cleruchies highlights the complexities of ancient Greek colonial practices and their impact on the regions involved.

Sources

Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Cleruchy". Encyclopædia Britannica. 6 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. pp. 499–500.

Gilbert, G. (1895). Constitutional Antiquities of Athens and Sparta (Eng. trans. ed.). London. — but Brea is wrongly given as an example, as it was not a cleruchy but a colony (Hicks and Hill, 41 [29]).

Greenidge, A.H.J. (1896). Handbook of Greek Constitutional Antiquities. London.