Living in Ancient Greece
Ancient Greece wasn’t one country as it is today, then the Greeks lived in separate city states (called polis). There were many of these and they had different ways of ruling themselves. Some had Kings others had governments and some were ruled by an elite few men alongside Kings. These states sometimes cooperated with each other and at other times they fought against one another. There were five main city states Athens, Sparta, Corinth, Megara and Argos.
Athens
Athens was the shining star of ancient Greece (this is what they thought). Their patron god was Athena, goddess of wisdom. Athens was the first democracy and was ruled by their citizens (men) who came together to discuss problems facing their city. Each year a lottery took place and 500 hundred men’s names were drawn out, these 500 men organized and ran the state they were the citizens who voted on the important issues of the day. One man one vote, Women, children and slaves weren’t considered citizens so didn’t vote. Women were taught at home by their mothers and learnt how to run the home. Boys were sent to school to learn poetry and music, then math, science, government and finally they had two years military service.
Sparta
Sparta was ruled over by two kings and a group of elders. All Spartans men and women were warriors. Men lived in army barracks but they were allowed home to visit their families. Boys were taken away from their families when they were seven and sent into the army. They were treated very badly and often beaten (but they weren’t allowed to cry). The boys were given very little to eat and had to lie, cheat and steal to feed themselves, these were seen as good traits in a boy. Girls too had army training although they still lived at home during this time. It sounds harsh but Spartan women had a lot more freedom than other women in Greece they could run businesses and could see friends and neighbors without needing their husbands permission.
Corinth and Megara
These were both coastal city states and conducted a lot of trade with other countries. They both had their own coinage which they made traders use and charged a fee for exchanging their money. They were ruled by kings and had education systems very similar to that of Athens. These states boasted beautiful temples and excelled in literature, arts and drama.
Argos
Argos was not a coastal city state it was based on the plains. This land is very fertile and they grew wonderful food especially citrus fruits like lemons. Argos was ruled over by kings and was famed for its musicians and poets. They also excelled in sculptures and monuments the greatest being the Heraion of Argos a temple dedicated the Goddess Hera.
Athens
Athens was the shining star of ancient Greece (this is what they thought). Their patron god was Athena, goddess of wisdom. Athens was the first democracy and was ruled by their citizens (men) who came together to discuss problems facing their city. Each year a lottery took place and 500 hundred men’s names were drawn out, these 500 men organized and ran the state they were the citizens who voted on the important issues of the day. One man one vote, Women, children and slaves weren’t considered citizens so didn’t vote. Women were taught at home by their mothers and learnt how to run the home. Boys were sent to school to learn poetry and music, then math, science, government and finally they had two years military service.
Sparta
Sparta was ruled over by two kings and a group of elders. All Spartans men and women were warriors. Men lived in army barracks but they were allowed home to visit their families. Boys were taken away from their families when they were seven and sent into the army. They were treated very badly and often beaten (but they weren’t allowed to cry). The boys were given very little to eat and had to lie, cheat and steal to feed themselves, these were seen as good traits in a boy. Girls too had army training although they still lived at home during this time. It sounds harsh but Spartan women had a lot more freedom than other women in Greece they could run businesses and could see friends and neighbors without needing their husbands permission.
Corinth and Megara
These were both coastal city states and conducted a lot of trade with other countries. They both had their own coinage which they made traders use and charged a fee for exchanging their money. They were ruled by kings and had education systems very similar to that of Athens. These states boasted beautiful temples and excelled in literature, arts and drama.
Argos
Argos was not a coastal city state it was based on the plains. This land is very fertile and they grew wonderful food especially citrus fruits like lemons. Argos was ruled over by kings and was famed for its musicians and poets. They also excelled in sculptures and monuments the greatest being the Heraion of Argos a temple dedicated the Goddess Hera.
Ancient infoThe Heraion of Argos
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