Ancient Greece: Economy and Leisure Activities

The Economy in Ancient Greece

Agriculture and Livestock

Initially, the economy was based on family farming. Livestock was limited to the domestic sphere, and gradually agriculture, specifically wheat, vine, and olive trees, gained ground.

Commerce

Commerce was gaining importance in Greece, concentrated around the port. Economic prosperity led to increased population, resulting in migrations and the founding of colonies in the Mediterranean. The exchange of goods by sea began, and some factories were established, primarily employing slaves.

The Monetary System

a) Monetary unit: drachma

b) Fractional units:

• Obol: 1/6 drachma
• Half-obol: 1/2 obol

c) Multiples:

• Didrachm: 2 drachmas
• Tetradrachm: 4 drachmas
• Decadrachm: 10 drachmas

d) Units of calculation:

• Mina: 100 drachmas
• Talent: 60 minas (6,000 drachmas)

e) Other currencies:

• Daric (gold)
• Shekel (silver)

Other Economic Activities

a) Mining: Iron, marble, zinc, silver, and lead were obtained. Slaves primarily worked in the mines.

b) Industry: Shoemakers, bakers, weavers, and potters were among the trades. Both freemen and slaves worked in these industries.

c) Liberal Professions: Architects, doctors, musicians, teachers, and artists were professions exercised by free men.

Leisure in Ancient Greece

Initially, leisure activities were not competitive but originated in funeral games. To celebrate, rulers could declare a truce. The cycle of the Panhellenic Games (held every four years) was as follows:

a) Isthmian Games: Held in Corinth in the summer in honor of Poseidon. They included equestrian, athletic, musical, and nautical events.

b) Nemean Games: Held in Nemea in the summer. They included equestrian, athletic, and artistic events.

c) Pythian Games: Held in Delphi in the summer in honor of Zeus. For women, the Heraean Games were celebrated in honor of Hera.

Panathenaic Games: Held in Athens in honor of Athena. They included sports events and religious celebrations and involved everyone in Attica.

Olympic Games

The events included the pentathlon (running, jumping, wrestling, discus throw, and javelin), pankration (a combination of boxing and wrestling), boxing, foot races, and horse races.

Initially, only Greek men could participate. Before the start of the games, participants were selected by a jury and trained for ten months. They also had to swear to comply with all Olympic rules.

The games were held in Greece from the 8th century BC to the 4th century AD, when they were banned by Theodosius.