Social Structure and Education in Ancient Greece

Key Greek Vocabulary

Psyche:

Mind

Phileo:

Love, attract

Sophia:

Knowing

Hemi:

Half

Isos:

Equal

Homo:

Same

The Family Structure in Ancient Greece

(Composed of parents, children, their spouses, and slaves)

Women and Marriage in Ancient Greece

Marriage, under which the wife was under the tutelage of her husband, was desired by every woman. It could be dissolved by divorce, but only the husband could request it without giving reasons and retain custody of the children.

The life of women in Greece was confined to the private sphere, while men were involved in all public activities.

Children and Recognition

The father was forced to recognize his offspring, though he could leave it exposed in a conspicuous place in case anyone wanted to adopt them. Recognized Greek children received their name on the 10th day, followed by their father's name and place of origin.

Education in Athens

Education was the task of private institutions or individuals. There was no compulsory schooling, which typically began at 6 or 7 years. The most comprehensive education was reserved for men.

Girls learned to read, write, and some calculation, as they were destined to be wives and mothers.

The education was based on two pillars:

• Music: Everything related to the intellectual formation of the individual.
• Gymnastics: Everything regarding physical education.

Education was divided into three stages:

Elementary Education (Up to 12 years)

The grammatistes (teacher) taught reading, writing, and some arithmetic, and then how to analyze and comment on selected portions of the great poets. They also learned music with the kitharistes (singing to the accompaniment of the lyre) and gymnastics (gentle exercise). Children went to school accompanied by the paidagogos (playmate and guardian of good manners).

Secondary Education (Up to 18 years)

This was in charge of the Grammatikos (professor of literature), with whom students deepened the study of important Greek authors. They continued with gymnastics under the physical trainer, who taught the pentathlon (running, jumping, throwing the discus and javelin, and wrestling). They also learned dancing and swimming.

Higher Education (Beyond 18 years)

Besides being trained as soldiers, young people could attend the schools of the sophists (teachers of oratory and rhetoric) or receive training in philosophical and scientific institutions like the Academy or the Lyceum.

Education in Sparta

Children entered into a barracks where they received strict military training. At 19 or 20 years, they were transformed into soldiers, but were not allowed to marry or engage in the Assembly until age 30. Girls were prepared to be wives and mothers, but always at the service of the State.