Oikistes
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
When a Greek polis chose to settle a new colony (apoikia), an individual - the oikistes - was chosen as leader and invested with the power of selecting a settling place, directing the initial labors of the colonists and guiding the fledgling colony through its hard early years.
If successful, the new city would take the name of its intrepid oikistes. If the colony failed to get off the ground, however, the unfortunate oikistes could count on taking much of the blame.
