Greek Society and Economy

Women in Ancient Greece Women had different rights and roles depending on the city-state they lived in Family life Men were head of the house hold Women from poor families would work outdoors or on farms Made clothing for the family “The gods have ordered and the law approved that men and women should each follow their own capacity. It is not so good for a woman to be out of doors as in. And it is more dishonorable for a man to stay indoors than to attend his affairs outside. ”

Women in Ancient Greece Spartan Women Enjoyed more rights and freedom than those in other city-states Could sell property Educated and trained in sports

Greek Society Aristocracy Citizens and noncitizens Early city states controlled by the wealthy Claimed descent from gods Wealth came from owning large plots of land Owned slaves Citizens and noncitizens Citizens were adults males who had the right to vote Large amounts of land gave people high social status Most citizens were small farmers Merchants and artisans were not considered citizens Had few rights when visiting other city-states

Greek Society Slaves Lowest class in Greek society Most slaves were prisoners of war Sold into slavery by families By 500 B.C.E. slavery was widely practiced in Greece Made up 1/3 of population in some city-states Had no legal rights and could be punished harshly

Greek Economic Expansion Because the Greeks lacked farmland they had to find ways of feeding people as populations grew Conquest Sparta conquered Messenia and turned in people into laborers who raised crops for the Spartans Allowed Spartan men from farming so more time could be spent strengthening the Army

Greek Economic Expansion Colonization 700 B.C.E. Greek colonists sailed off to find new places to settle Ideal site for a colony was on the coast with good land for farming By 500 B.C.E. there were hundreds of Greek colonies around the Mediterranean and Black Seas Stretched from shores of Russia to Spain

Greek Economic Expansion The first coins 650 B.C.E. kings of Lydia began making the world’s first gold and silver coins Replaced bartering system Each city-state stamped its coins with symbols of the city of image of the deity who protected the city

Greek Economic Expansion Athens grows rich Trade made the city-state Athens rich Excellent port called Piraeus Athens produced pottery, and jewelry in return for timber, minerals, and other luxury goods Effects of expansion and trade Many colonies became prosperous Merchants grew rich from trade As wealth increased merchants began to play a greater role in Greek life New wealth brings about changes in how city-states are to be governed