Men Men were the only people considered citizens, so they did the most around the town. Men went to markets, sold good in the market, had jobs, took care of the land, met with friends to discuss politics, and went to temples to worship. Men did all the shopping and doings outside of the house. Men were the only ones allowed a formal education as well.
Men had a special room in the house just for themselves. This room was for lounging around and entertaining male guests, no women except for slaves and entertainers were allowed in. |
Women Women spent most of their lives in the house. They weaved, cooked, trained the slaves, sewed, and raised the children. Women also had their own room in the house that men could not enter. For a house guest to enter the women's quarters was considered an act of the uttermost disrespect.
Being inside made the women pale which was considered a sign of beauty. This is also why women's faces are often painted white on Greek pottery. They also wore a lot of makeup, even by today's standards, to show off their pale complexions. Makeup was applied all over the face as well as on the eyes, lips, and cheeks. |
Children Children in Athens lived fairly simple lives. Boys went to school to learn to read, writing, and memorize the works of philosophers. Boys also had private tutor, who were often slaves, to help them with their lessons. Girls stayed at home with their mothers and learned what they would need to have a house of their own. They helped around the house and that was basically it.
Once of age, boys went through a procedure to become citizens, relying on the knowledge they acquired through their lessons. Childhood was short for girls, who were often married away at age 13. Once married, the girls managed their husband's household. |