What is "euergetism"

n. (context historical English) the practice of élite in Greek and Roman cities of distributing a part of their wealth to the community; public benefaction

'''Euergetism '''(also called evergetism), derived from the Greek word "εὐεργετέω," meaning "doing good deeds," was the ancient practice of high-status and wealthy individuals in society distributing part of their wealth to the community. This was evident in the patron-client relations in ancient Rome. The modern term was coined by French historian André Boulanger and subsequently used in the works of Paul Veyne.