Martian Society

The Martian Empires all have a strict social hierarcy. At the very top are the Overlords, who live in great stone temples. Very few humans are permited to enter these temples, only the Kagathoi (temple priests that double as guards, singular Kagathos) and those unfortunates slaves chosen to feed the Overlords. The next step down the social ladder are the clan Martians, then the common Martians, and finally the Earthlings.
The nobility of the Martians are divided into clans, each clan being an extended family group. The Overlords each choose a clan to sponsor, providing that clan with better technology and materials. A clan with many Overlord sponsors will become wealthy and influencial, while one with none is disolved and its members become commoners. Within each clan a single representative is elected by majority vote to serve as clan Archon (plural Archontes). The Archontes of all the clans form a city council, that manages the city (subject to the whims of the Overlords) and organises the people. The Kagathoi also have seats on the council.
Those Martians without a clan (the majority) form the working class of the cities. They are reasonably treated, usually have food to eat and a roof over their heads, and generally lead a simple but adequate existance. Any Martian family may form a new clan (with the right to elect an Archon) simply by gaining the sponsorhsip of an Overlord, however since the Overlords virtually never leave their temples this is extremely rare, requiring the assistance of a Kagathos.
The lowest ranks of Martian society are the slaves, which usually includes all Earthlings in conquered countries. Slaves may only be owned by clans, but can be hired by commoners. A slave may be set free by an Archon, Kagathos, or by their owner.