Athenian Society in the 5th Century BC: Citizens, Metics, and Slaves
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Athenian Society in the 5th Century BC
In 5th century BC Athenian society, there were three distinct classes:
Citizens
This class was composed of free adult males who were children of Athenian parents during the time of Pericles (5th century BC). Citizens constituted the core of privileged people who possessed full political rights and were the only ones who could possess or acquire land in Attica.
In return, citizens were obliged to pay taxes, abide by and comply with all laws, and be mobilized for war. Among the citizens, there were significant differences in their wealth: first, members of noble families and then the townspeople formed by small farmers, traders, artisans, and sailors.
Metics
Metics means "cohabitation." Foreigners were free and... Continue reading "Athenian Society in the 5th Century BC: Citizens, Metics, and Slaves" »