Ancient Greek Classes/Classes in Ancient Greece

The ancient Greek classes which thronged the society were numerous. They were the slaves, the free men, metics, the citizens, and the women. It was a patriarchal society and women were not considered as citizens.

This class system was a rather a social class system but not a rigid class system. The class system was a parameter by which an individuals position in the society was measured. In todays society someones place in the society is measured in monetary terms.

The society was a patriarchal society. This form of society can be accepted as Greece was primarily a warrior nation. The men had tremendous hold on the society. But at the same time, women were not neglected. They were bestowed with many powers.

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For example, young boys were sent to be trained when they were seven yours of age. They returned at the age of 30. If they died, they were given high honors as martyrs. These same honors were bestowed upon women if they died in childbirth.

Athens

Coming to Athens in particular, the class system consisted of two prominent divisions. 1. The slaves, 2.The citizens. The society was not open to any other subdivision. Only men were given citizenships. This hierarchical pattern was prevalent in other states as well.

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Each class was marked with specific duties and responsibilities. The citizens were expected to attend gymnasiums, palaistrais. The slaves were restricted to the household chores.

During the classical age, the class division was made more stringent. These were troubled times. To ensure that the society stays intact, this method was adopted. Mixed marriages were not approved. During this era, conflicts with Persia reached its heights.

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As a result of which, the DALIAN LEAGUE was founded. Through this league, the states came to a mutual agreement that they will combine their warriors and protect Greece from Persia.

The strict rules that set in, harmed many people. They suffered losses. Their losses include loss of inheritance, citizenship and family ties, marriages, now were required to be made through a systematic process that was recognized legally.

The ancient Greek classes wavered between rigidity and modernity,

Information on: Ancient Greece Classes, Classes in Ancient Greek

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