LIFE IN ATHENS GREECE ATHENS Named after Athena

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LIFE IN ATHENS, GREECE

LIFE IN ATHENS, GREECE

ATHENS • Named after Athena • Goddess of wisdom, war, and civilization • Her

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

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

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

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'

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 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