What does hierocracy mean?
Hierocracy refers to a system of government in which the highest power is held by the clergy or by a group of people who are considered to be spiritually superior. This can be seen in the medieval Catholic Church, where the clergy held significant power and influence over the development of European society. In other contexts, hierocracy can refer to a system of government in which the spiritual leaders of a society hold significant power. This can be seen in ancient Egyptian culture, where the priests held significant power and influence over the development of Egyptian society. Hierocracy is often contrasted with democracy and republic, which are systems of government in which power is held by the people or their elected representatives. The term hierocracy is derived from the Greek words 'hieros' meaning sacred and 'kratos' meaning power. It is also related to the Latin word 'hierarchia' meaning a system of government in which the clergy hold power. In modern usage, hierocracy is often used to describe systems of government in which the clergy or spiritual leaders hold significant power. It is an important term in the study of politics and government, and is often used to describe the relationship between the clergy and the state.
nounA system of government in which the highest power is held by the clergy or by a group of people who are considered to be spiritually superior.
- A system of government in which the highest power is held by the clergy or by a group of people who are considered to be spiritually superior.
"The hierocracy of the medieval Catholic Church was a major factor in the development of European society."
"The hierocracy of the medieval Catholic Church was a major factor in the development of European society."
"The hierocracy of the ancient Egyptian priests was a powerful force in the development of Egyptian culture."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of hierocracy
The term hierocracy is derived from the Greek words 'hieros' meaning sacred and 'kratos' meaning power. This term was later adopted into Latin as 'hierarchia' meaning a system of government in which the clergy hold power. The concept of hierocracy has been present in various forms throughout history, with examples including the medieval Catholic Church and the ancient Egyptian priests.
How hierocracy is actually used
Hierocracy is often used to describe systems of government in which the clergy or spiritual leaders hold significant power. It is often contrasted with democracy and republic, which are systems of government in which power is held by the people or their elected representatives.