Final answer:
Most Greek aristocrats in a monarchy supplied soldiers with horses and armor during wartime. They held considerable influence, derived power from land ownership, and supported the military, while maintaining cultural pursuits and leisure activities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer is: C. Aristocrats supplied soldiers with horses and armor during wartime. In ancient Greek monarchies, the aristocracy, or aristoi, were significant landowners who held considerable influence over government and the military. They were wealthy elites who derived their power from land ownership and provided essential support for wars, including supplying soldiers with horses and armor. The aristoi often supported fighters, regarding it as a duty to their polis, while also fostering a culture of leisure and prestige.
Aristotle's perspective was that a genuinely balanced and effective government would include a considerable portion of what he described as the middle class, with political offices mirroring the disparities in wealth. He called such a government a Politeia, which entailed a partnership between the wealthy and the less affluent, all underpinned by a strong respect for the rule of law, considering this as the best chance for the public good. However, Aristotle and Plato cautioned against the risk of a monarchy evolving into a tyranny or an aristocracy becoming an oligarchy, in which the rulers potentially disregard the welfare of the community and rule for their personal gain.