[I] Office
(ἄρχοντες, ἄρχων; árchontes, árchōn). In general, the term applied to all holders of archai . However, the term was frequently used as the title of a particular office, originally, at least, the highest office of the state. Archontes in this sense of the term are found in most states of central Greece, including Athens, and states dependent on or influenced by Athens.
According to Aristot. Ath. Pol. 3, the kings were initially replaced by archons who were initially elected for life, …