Ancient Greece Daily Life in Athens

The Agora Agora: Public markets or meeting places Center of public life Men would talk politics, philosophy, or events Vendors, farmers, and artisans Wool, pottery, hardware, cloth, books Temples & government buildings lined Agora Virtual Agora Tour

School in Athens Wrote on wooden wax tablets Lessons were long history passages that they had to memorize Afternoon was spent in athletic practice and competition Discus, wrestling

Home Life in Athens Plain, simple, mud brick houses Simple food Rooms around an open courtyard in the middle Kitchen, storerooms, dining room, bedroom Bathrooms had water which needed to be carried in from public fountain Simple food Bread for breakfast Cheese or olives with bread for lunch Fish and veggies with cheese, fruit, and honey cakes for dinner Meat not often eaten, except during religious festivals Virtual House Tour

Women Spent most of their time at home Could not participate in politics Could be priestesses In charge of running the home and the family Cloth work, food, drink Cared for young children In charge of finances and slaves Poorer women would work outside the home Pottery, tending sheep, making cloth Women expected to be invisible For their protection Did not spend much time in the Agora

Slavery Slave labor allowed Athenian men leisure time Slavery common Most households could not survive without them Slavery common 100,000 slaves (1/3 of population) People were captured in war or by pirates Made into slaves You were a slave if you were born into slave families Some people had issues with owning other Greeks Most slaves were foreigners Slaves were not considered citizens No political rights, personal freedom, or education Could be freed or buy own freedom