Hospitium

A Proxenos ( lit. " for the stranger " ) in ancient Greece was a citizen in his town represented the interests of another ( in some ways comparable to a modern honorary consul ).

This feature evolved since the 5th century BC from private hospitalities.

A Proxenos was the one who could turn followed by a stranger ( xenos ) in a Greek city, when he was come into any trouble. He was a citizen of the local city-state ( polis ), or at least alien resident. He was publicly given the task to look after the interests of another state or city to represent this city-state.

He was respected and wealthy. He often came also the city-state, which he represented.

For his office, he received no payment from the state. He enjoyed some privileges instead, and perhaps also benefited in business. But Vornehmlicher aspect was the honor that was associated with the performance of his duties.