Old landholders in Athens displaced (6)

I believe the answer is:

thanes

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'old landholders' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'athens displaced' is the wordplay.
'displaced' is an anagram indicator.
'athens' is an anagram of 'THANES'.

'in' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

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