Social and Economical Structure of Athens
The social class system of Ancient Athens was very similar to structures in other cultures. There was a well-defined upper, middle, and lower class as well as a separate slave class. What defines each class is a little different however. In ascending order:
Upper Class: To be considered upper class in Athens, you have a citizen, a man, and to either have a high rank in the military or no job. This was considered a leisure class of sorts and to fully enjoy it, you had to be free from the economic burdens of society. Very few families were considered upper class.
Middle Class: The middle class in Athens was mostly metics or noncitizens who could not vote or own land. These people were usually merchants or traders who lived in Athens because of the economic stability and guarantee of work. Also, many middle class families were citizens and could vote and own land.
Lower Class: The lower class was mostly free men who were once slaves or very poor families. These people were not citizens and had very little, if any, rights or say in politics.
Slaves: Slaves were very common place in Athens; even poor families had one or two while wealthy families had 50 or more. Slaves were un-ransomed war prisoners, stolen as children from enemies, or traded in from other countries. Slaves were often treated fairly by their masters and could be freed.
Women: To be a woman in Ancient Athens was to be considered outside the social class system. Women had no place outside of the home, you were in whatever group your husband or father was. Women were not considered citizens and could not vote or own their own property.
Upper Class: To be considered upper class in Athens, you have a citizen, a man, and to either have a high rank in the military or no job. This was considered a leisure class of sorts and to fully enjoy it, you had to be free from the economic burdens of society. Very few families were considered upper class.
Middle Class: The middle class in Athens was mostly metics or noncitizens who could not vote or own land. These people were usually merchants or traders who lived in Athens because of the economic stability and guarantee of work. Also, many middle class families were citizens and could vote and own land.
Lower Class: The lower class was mostly free men who were once slaves or very poor families. These people were not citizens and had very little, if any, rights or say in politics.
Slaves: Slaves were very common place in Athens; even poor families had one or two while wealthy families had 50 or more. Slaves were un-ransomed war prisoners, stolen as children from enemies, or traded in from other countries. Slaves were often treated fairly by their masters and could be freed.
Women: To be a woman in Ancient Athens was to be considered outside the social class system. Women had no place outside of the home, you were in whatever group your husband or father was. Women were not considered citizens and could not vote or own their own property.