The seminar will explore the various strategies deployed by the self-described “aristocrats” in ancient Greek society to wield social power: their construction of the prevailing social perceptions of human beings vs. deities; of gender and sexuality, including homoeroticism; way of life, including sport, male and female homoeroticism, literary and artistic production. Likewise, the evolving relationship with the rest of the local population, from their status as dependents to that of citizens, through archaic to classical times, and in particular the adaptation of these strategies of power by Athenian aristocrats in the days of the Athenian democracy.