oikistes

The oikistes (Greek: οἰκιστής), often anglicized as oekist or oecist, was the individual chosen by an ancient Greek polis as the leader (archegetes) of any new colonization effort (apoikia), often to Italy or other areas of the Mediterranean. The mother city (metropolis) invested him with the power of selecting a settling place, directing the initial labors of the colonists (hetairoi), and guiding the fledgling colony through its hard early years. An oracle (such as the Pythia) was ritually consulted during deliberations for choosing an oikistes, and after his appointment he was expected to consult one for divine guidance on the location of the new settlement. He was usually a well known nobleman in his home town, and was responsible for providing the ship on which the colonists set sail ...