noun
- chief magistrates in ancient Athens and other Greek city-states
- in Gnostic belief, powerful spiritual beings that rule over the material world
Usage: historical
Usage: religious; Gnosticism
Examples
- The nine archons governed different aspects of Athenian civic life.
- Ancient Greek archons were elected annually to serve the city-state.
- The eponymous archon gave his name to the year in Athens.
- Gnostic texts describe archons as obstacles to spiritual enlightenment.
- The archons were responsible for religious festivals and legal matters.
- In some traditions, archons are seen as cosmic forces controlling destiny.