Life in Ancient Greece Greek Theatre

Life in Ancient Sparta Located in Southern Greece Spartans conquered many people. Made them slaves called Helots To control conquered people they set up a brutal system of government

Military State Helots outnumbered the Spartans Spartans created a Military State to keep them in line Babies that were born were examined by Spartan Soldiers If unhealthy it was taken as a slave or left on a hillside to die

Boys Boys left parents at age 7 to begin Military Training Lasted 13 years Lived in Barracks Punishment for disobedience was to be whipped in front of their parents Taught Athletics and Academics At Age 20 they became Soldiers

Men Also lived in Barracks Men remained in Military service, even if they were married. They did not live with their wives At Age 30 they were allowed to live with their wives Military service ended at age 60 Soldiers were given land that was farmed by Helots

Girls Also examined at birth, killed if they were weak. Went to school at age 7 Educated in physical training Taught to live lives dedicated to Sparta Main life objective was to be strong and produce strong offspring.

Women Required to stay indoors At age 18 they had to pass a test of physical abilities Based on performance they were assigned a husband Tremendous freedom from Husband as in most cases they did not live together

Ancient Athens

Athenian Beliefs Located in Attica Limited Democracy Evolved from a Monarchy to an Aristocracy Around 700 BC democratic reforms were instituted Only males could participate in Government Only males were allowed to read, write (poetry, plays), participate in military training and be educated.

Athenian Girls Taught basic reading Taught important household skills Learned mythology and musical skills Spent most of the time in their household Only left for religious ceremonies

Athenian Women Married in their teens Marriages were arranged Could not own property Had limited rights Not allowed to watch the Olympic Games Husband had total control – Obedience was expected

Athenian Boys Taught at home until age 7 Went to school until age 14 Learned poetry, music, public speaking, reading, writing, math, science and government At 18 attended Military Academy

Athenian Men Involved in politics, art, music, crafts, agriculture and trade Knew how to hunt and horseback ride Public courtesy was very important Participated in Government and Military

Greek Mythology What is a Myth? A myth is a traditional story whose author is unknown. It has roots in the primitive folk beliefs of cultures and uses the supernatural to interpret natural events and to explain a cultures view of the universe and the nature of humanity.

Greek Gods and Goddesses

Olympic Games Began in 700 B.C in a town called Olympian (South Western Greece) Were in honour of the Greek God Zeus Women were not allowed to watch Men would have worn very little in terms of clothing (probably participated naked) Games lasted for 5 days First day of the games was spent sacrificing to the Gods.

Games Boxing Wrestling Pankration (Boxing and wrestling combined) Horse Racing Pentathalon – Sprinting, javelin, long jump, wrestling, discuss.

Plays  Most plays are based on myths or legends  Discussed moral and social issues or explored relationships between men and gods  Two types of plays were written:  Tragedy  Comedy

Famous Playwrights Aeschylus - The Oresteia was a series of 3 plays that told of the hideous crimes of murder and revenge of a powerful family. ( B.C.)

Euripides - The Trojan Woman stripped war of its glamour by showing the suffering of women who were victims of war.

Sophocles- Antigone explored what happens when an individual ‘ s moral duty conflicts with the laws of the state.