LIFE IN ATHENS, GREECE

ATHENS

• Named after Athena• Goddess of wisdom, war, and

civilization • Her shrine (The Parthenon) sits

in the middle of Athens

• The Agora was the center of commerce• Public markets and meeting

places• Government buildings and

temples

ACROPOLIS

• Built on a hill in the center of the city

• Originally built as a citadel where people could retreat if there was an attack

• Later, many temples were added (although it could still be used as a fortress)

• At the center was The Parthenon

HOMES IN ATHENS

• Most homes were plain; made of mud bricks

• Consisted of rooms around an open courtyard

• Had kitchens, storerooms, dining rooms, and bathrooms

• Water had to be carried from a public fountain

BOYS IN ATHENS

• Schools taught reading, writing and mathematics, music, poetry, sport and gymnastics

• Education typically lasted from age 5-18

• Some went during their mid-twenties in an academy where they would also study philosophy, ethics, and rhetoric (the skill of persuasive public speaking)

• As men, many would become active in politics or other aspects of Athenian life

GIRLS IN ATHENS

• Girls received little formal education (except perhaps in the aristocrats' homes through tutors)

• generally kept at home and had no political power in Athens

• The education of a girl involved spinning, weaving, and other domestic art.

• Athenian women and girls were kept at home with no participation in sports or politics

• Wives were considered property of their husbands

SLAVES IN ATHENS

• Some people became slaves after being captured during battles

• Slaves were lowest class, but less harshly treated than in most other Greek cities

• Had no rights, and an owner could kill a slave. Could buy freedom or be freed by master

• Did a lot in Athens: constructed buildings, forged weapons & armor, farmed, mined, created pottery