Ancient City of Athens Greece

Athens was the most highlighted state of Greece. The people of Athens considered themselves to be the shining star of Athens. Their culture flourished beyond measure. As a result of which were born rich literature, poetry, and wonderful pieces of drama. The city of Athens also contained schools, buildings and it was an extremely well governed state.

Athens was not all that flourished from the very beginning. The culture that we are familiar with, took shape gradually. In the very beginning Athens was a village where Ionian people lived. This was a period before the dark ages. It was only after the dark ages that this city flourished and became one the most powerful state of Greece.

How was the city of Athens different from the state of Sparta?

Athens was quite different from the state of Sparta. The two states differed on quite a few factors but the most prominent difference between them is:

1. The people of Sparta were known for their military strength.
2. On the other hand the city of Athens was known for their intellectual pursuits. The people were consumed in producing great works of literature and other forms of arts and for their scientific outlook.

Each of the city states in Athens was ruled by a God or by a Goddess thus the Greeks believed. Ancient Greece Athens was ruled by Athena. She was considered to be the goddess of wisdom who bestowed her powers upon the people owing to which they constructed such magnificent works of arts and science. Probably it is for this reason that the people of Athens emphasized so much on education.

However the people of the city had conservative notions when it came to the girls. They were confined to their houses. They learned household works from their mothers at home. They were denied many rights that the men enjoyed. For example they were denied the right go vote, the right to possess property etc.

Boys education was stressed upon by the parents. At an early age they were taught at home. When they were 7 years of age they were sent to schools. They attended school up till the age of 14. In schools they were taught the poems of homer, they were taught how to read, write, they were taught how to do public speaking, solve mathematics etc. in middle school they were taught science, math and how the government machinery functions.

Ancient Greek Life History / Ancient Greece Facts for Kids

We owe a lot to Ancient Greek Civilization. History of ancient Greece is a fascinating. On this site, we have given information on various ancient Greek life aspects - Arts, Boys and Girls, Architecture, Dancing, Gods, Myths, Medicine, Inventions, Houses, Government, Religions, Wars, Politics, Weapons and ancient Greece Cities.