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Questions and Answers

In 5th century Athens, what was the primary role of women in household activities?

Food preparation and storage (correct)

Military training and recruitment

Economic investments and trade

Political advocacy and legal representation

What distinguishes courtesans (hetairai) from prostitutes (pornai) in ancient Athens?

Courtesans were typically slaves while prostitutes were free women

Prostitutes had more legal rights than courtesans

Both groups engaged in similar social activities and had equal status

Courtesans catered to the Athenian elite and were often educated (correct)

What was ideally expected of free women regarding their presence in public spaces?

They could freely participate in political discussions

They were expected to leave home only for designated events (correct)

They were encouraged to manage family businesses in public markets

They were allowed to pursue athletic training and competitions

What was a common experience among children regarding their status in ancient Athens?

Children, regardless of gender, were free but not citizens and did not inherit Signup and view all the answers

What cultural aspect influenced sexuality roles in ancient Greece as children matured?

Puberty marked a differentiation in sexuality between males and females Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of an 'Epoptes' in the initiation process?

An initiate after the first stage of initiation Signup and view all the answers

What was the main focus of the Apatouria festival?

Recognition of new members within the Phratry Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the term 'Agon' in the context of ancient Greek competition?

The act of competing for public recognition Signup and view all the answers

What was a Strigil used for in ancient athletics?

To scrape off sweat and dirt post-activity Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main types of competition described in the content?

Good competition and bad competition Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best represents the rationale behind the Pan-Hellenic Games?

To provide a period of peace for Greek states Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of ostracism in society?

To channel envy and limit power Signup and view all the answers

What role did competition play in the life of ancient Greeks according to the content?

It was regulated by strict rules to prevent disputes Signup and view all the answers

Which location in the Pan-Hellenic Games is associated with Apollo?

Delphi Signup and view all the answers

What is defined as a guest friendship in the content?

Xenia Signup and view all the answers

Which term is associated with intentionally dishonoring behavior?

Hubris Signup and view all the answers

What significant cultural aspect did the Deme Festivals represent?

Unity and continuity of local communities Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the krater during symposions?

To mix water and wine Signup and view all the answers

How did Alkibiades view the concept of ambition?

As a means to bring honour to the community Signup and view all the answers

What was the consequence of Ajax's conduct in the competition for Achilles' armour?

He committed suicide due to shame Signup and view all the answers

What are the two maxims inscribed at the Temple of Apollo at Delphi?

Know yourself and Nothing in excess Signup and view all the answers

Who has the responsibility of determining the wine-to-water ratio at a symposion?

Symposiarch Signup and view all the answers

What is the end goal of a symposion in terms of participant behavior?

To test self-control and sociability Signup and view all the answers

What was the main obligation of male citizens in Athens?

Participating in the ekklesia every 10 days Signup and view all the answers

What did the Perikles’ citizenship law stipulate regarding citizenship?

Only men whose parents were both Athenian citizens qualified as citizens Signup and view all the answers

In ancient Athens, what was the primary purpose of marriage according to the cultural context?

To produce legitimate children and heirs Signup and view all the answers

What rights did metics have in Athens?

They were required to serve in the army but could not own land Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the heiress or epikleros if there were no male heirs?

She was forced into marriage with the nearest male relative Signup and view all the answers

What was the consequence for a wife caught cheating in ancient Athens?

Divorce was mandatory, affecting claims to legitimacy Signup and view all the answers

What role did the kurios play in the oikos?

He managed the property and represented the family legally Signup and view all the answers

Under what conditions could a citizen without sons ensure the continuation of their property?

They could leave a will or adopt a relative as a son Signup and view all the answers

In the context of divorce, what evidence was required of a wife to initiate the process?

Evidence of bad behavior from her husband Signup and view all the answers

What defined a concubine or pallakai in ancient Athens?

A woman in a long-term relationship without legal marriage Signup and view all the answers

In a pederastic relationship, which role does the older male typically play?

The lover Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about education in Ancient Athens is accurate?

Parents arranged education based on their wealth and expectations. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary subject taught by grammatistes?

Basic literacy Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following figures is NOT considered a sophist?

Socrates Signup and view all the answers

What role did women primarily have in Athenian education?

They often had access to philosophical schools. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main purpose of the Academy founded by Plato?

To provide a structured environment for higher education. Signup and view all the answers

Which agricultural product was the most important export of Athens?

Olive oil Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of silver mining in ancient Athens?

It required significant labor and was often slave-operated. Signup and view all the answers

What role did metics play in Athenian society?

They were freed slaves required to register and pay taxes. Signup and view all the answers

How did the pederastic relationship conclude?

When the younger boy reached adulthood. Signup and view all the answers

Which dancer's training involved physical education and was essential for warfare?

Boxers Signup and view all the answers

Why was the practice of reading and memorization considered essential for Athenian boys?

To prepare for democratic participation and legal practices. Signup and view all the answers

What was the public perception of Socrates according to Aristophanes?

He was ridiculed and portrayed negatively in plays. Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary feature of the Lycée founded by Aristotle?

It offered higher education and a structured curriculum. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Eleusinian Mysteries

A mystery cult dedicated to Demeter and Persephone.
Initiates were allowed into the sanctuary at night.
Rituals involved dramatic reenactments of the Persephone myth, not an explanation of the myth but rather an emotional experience.
After the first stage of initiation, initiates were called Epoptes, meaning "one who sees".
The Telesterion was the indoor hall where the final ceremony took place.
Connected to agriculture and the crop cycle, but also offered hope of a better afterlife due to their connection to Demeter.
The cult promised salvation and an afterlife.

Apatouria

A major festival of the Phratries (symbolic kinship groups connected by religious practices).
All Athenian citizens were members of a Phratry.
It was a three-day rite of passage with the third day, Koureotis (Day of Youths/Hair-cutting), marking the presentation of new members (children and new brides) to the phratry.
Libations were poured for deceased members of the group.
This festival focused on the continuity of the group, including new generations.

Deme Festivals

Demoi: 'The people' - Athenian citizens.
'Deme' also referred to a village community in Attica, an administrative district of the Athenian state.
Public festivals held by the Demoi.
Similar to city rituals, these festivals also celebrated the cults of local communities.

Competition in Ancient Greece

Agon referred to competition, specifically for the public eye to witness.
There were two main types of people one would compete with:
- Friends (philoi): provided support and helped those close to the individual.
- Enemies (ekhthroi): those who would harm you or had harmed you in the past, revenge was expected.
The public eye measured individual and community success.
The perceptions of others were crucial.
Life was regulated by honor and shame, success and failure:
- Time: a measure of honour, public acclaim, respect.
- Philotimia: love of honor, ambition.
- Atimia: dishonour.
The story of Ajax (Aias) illustrates the importance of honor. He killed himself out of shame due to his conduct after losing the competition for Achilles' armor.

Athletics and Other Competitions

Competition expressed in an acceptable and positive way.
Rules were set by the community and regulated by judges and umpires.
Included athletics but also poetry, music, and dance.
Festivals were happy events, releasing competitive tension with food and drink.
This was a way to resolve grudges or potential "bad blood".
The strigil, a tool used to scrape off oil, sweat, and dirt from the body after physical activity, was an important element in athletics.

The Pan-Hellenic Games

Open to Greeks from all over the Greek world, not just Athenians.
Participating states were not supposed to wage war during the games.
Locations:
- Olympia: associated with Zeus.
- Nemea: associated with Zeus.
- Delphi: associated with Apollo.
- Isthmus at Corinth: associated with Poseidon.
Run on a four-year cycle (Periodos)
Those who excelled became celebrated athletes, like Kroton and Milon.

Alkibiades vs Hesiod: Thoughts on Competitiveness

Alkibiades:
- Ambition brings honour to the community.
- Envy from others was proof of success.
- Remember, Alkibiades was a show-off, a young and fit Olympian athlete.
Hesiod, in his work "Works and Days":
- A more realistic take on competition and envy.
- Two main types of competition:
  - “Eris”: a bad competition that brings war and strife.
  - A good competition that inspires and motivates to do better.

Ostracism

Once a year, citizens voted on whether to hold an ostracism.
A simple majority was needed.
The voting took place two months later. Citizens wrote the name of the person to exile on an ostrakon (pot sherd). It required 6000 votes to be valid.
The person receiving the most votes was exiled for 10 years.
They did not lose their status or property during this time.
This was a way to channel envy and ensure that individuals did not become too powerful in society.

Enemies and War

Ekhthroi: personal enemies.
Polemioi: war enemies.
Personal rivalries were put aside during wars. Private enemies became comrades in war due to the common interest of protecting the city.
Xenia: a guest friendship.
- A friend from another city, a relationship that extended generations and was protected by the gods.
- During war, citizens were expected to be loyal to their city and treat a ‘guest friend’ as their enemy, but this wasn't always the case.

Self-Control vs Hubris

Hubris: intentionally dishonouring behavior.
- Often associated with violence.
- There were limits on competitive behavior and in society.
Sophrosune: self-control, moderation, modesty, acknowledging one's limitations.
- "Know yourself"
- "Nothing in excess"
- Both were inscribed at the Temple of Apollo at Delphi.

Symposion

Symposion: "drinking together"
A male aristocratic activity.
- Women were present as entertainers.
Krater: vessel used to mix water and wine.
Symposiarch: the master of drinking, chosen by rolling dice.
- They determined the wine-to-water ratio, the amount served, and topics discussed.
Symposiasts: other participants at the event.
Kottabos: a popular symposium game where the last drops of wine were flung at a disc to knock it down.
The aim of symposions was not to get drunk but to demonstrate self-control and sociability.

Population of Athens

Different groups:
- Men:
  - Male citizens over 18 were politically active.
  - Between 18-39, they served in the army and fleet each year.
- Women
- Children
- Metics (resident aliens):
  - Residents but not citizens.
  - Expected to fight in the army, but couldn't vote.
- Freed Slaves:
  - If they stayed in Athens, they were considered metics.
- Slaves

Population of Athens Cont.

Citizen obligations:
- Attending the ekklesia (assembly) every 10 days.
- Each year 6000 citizens were chosen by lottery to serve as jurors in popular courts.
- Expected to be landowners but were not penalized if they did not own land.
Athenians considered themselves autochthonous, meaning "sprung from the soil".
- They believed they were the original inhabitants of the land.
Perikles' citizenship law, 451 BCE:
- Only men whose parents were both Athenian citizens could qualify as citizens.

Oikos = ‘Household’

Members of the oikos/household:
- Kurios: “master”; the senior male.
  - He had the responsibility of passing the property to the next generation.
  - He was the legal representative and controlled the property.
- Kureia: protection, tutelage.
- Kins: minor sons and women.
- Slaves.
Legitimacy and transfer of property:
- Numerous court cases.
- Cases often questioned citizenship.
Epikleros: if there were no males, the only female heir to an oikos.

Problems of Property Inheritance

Ideally, property passed to the sons, who inherited an equal share.
- If the kurios died before his son(s) were 18, guardians were appointed until they came of age.
Citizens without sons could:
- Adopt a relative as his son.
- Leave a will.
- Not leave a will.
Magistrates ensured the heiress (epikleros) got married to the nearest relative.
- If already married, she might be forced to divorce.

Marriage

The main purpose of marriage was to produce the next generation of Athenian citizens and create legitimate children (heirs).
It was essentially a contract between two oikoi and their kurioi.
Official formula: "I give you this woman for the plowing of legitimate children."
Marrying age for girls was 15/16, while for men it was around 30.
The wife brought her dowry to her husband's house.
- The dowry was passed down to the children.
- The husband did not have direct control over it.

Divorce

Either spouse could initiate a divorce, but it was easier for the husband. He sent his wife back to her family.
The wife had to go to the eponymous archon (magistrate) and provide evidence of her husband's bad behavior.
Divorce was mandatory if the wife cheated on her husband.
- This was mandatory as it could create problems regarding legitimate/illegitimate children and claims to inheritance (lots of court cases!).
- If caught in the act, a man found sleeping with a married woman could be killed.
Husbands could have sex with prostitutes and concubines.

Concubines, Prostitutes, and Courtesans

Concubines (pallakai):
- Had a permanent or at least long-term relationship with a man they were not legally married to.
- In the 5th century, their children were free, but not citizens and didn’t inherit from the family.
Prostitutes (pornai):
- Slaves or free women, usually not Athenian by birth.
- They worked for money in brothels, homes, and other venues.
Courtesans (hetairai):
- Educated and sophisticated women whose clients were the Athenian elite.
- They could become wealthy and respected to a certain degree.
- Example: Aspasia, Perkles’ companion, was rumored to advise him on political decisions.

Separate Spaces?

Ideally, free women were not expected to leave the house except for religious festivals, funerals, and other events.
- Their connection with the outside world was supposed to be through slaves.
- Realistically, many women had to work outside the home, performing tasks that would have been reserved for slaves.
Space outside the home was considered reserved for male activities (war, athletics, justice, politics).
Non-related males could enter the house only if the kurios was present and invited them.

Household Activities of Women

Food preparation and storage.
Textile production.
Administration of resources.
Supervision of slaves (both male and female slaves).
Housekeeping.
Upbringing of children.
- High rates of child mortality.
Women working outside of the home:
- Fetching water from public fountains.

Ancient Greek Sexuality

The survival of the oikos was crucial, creating pressure on the male and female members to marry and produce children.
Ancient Greek sexuality was complex.
Sexuality was not established at birth: males and females were seen as similar beings as children.
- Only with puberty did they become different groups.
- For males, this was a gradual transition from their original ‘feminine’ status. It was complete when they were fully adult and politically active.

‘Pederasty’

‘Pederasty’ (the love of boys): a relationship between men in different age classes.
Age determined the role in the relationship:
- Older male: ‘erastes’ (‘the lover’): man in their 20s-30s.
- Younger male: ‘eromenos’ (‘the beloved’): below 18-20.
Not a homosexual relationship because it was not an equal relationship.
The relationship ended when the younger boy came of age, becoming a fully-fledged man.
Shameful to exchange money.
The pederastic relationship was more than physical. The erastes (the lover) was a mentor.
- Played a very educational role in the coming-of-age process.

Mythical Models of Pederasty

Achilles and Patroklos:
- Later periods (when pederasty was prevalent in society), their relationship was thought to be a case of pederasty.
Zeus and Ganymede:
- Zeus falls in love with a young boy named Ganymede.
- He abducts him and brings him to Olympus so he can act as a cup-bearer for the gods.
- Significant gap in age and status.

Education in Ancient Athens

Xenophon: if parents found a competent teacher, they paid to send their son to him.
- Education was not public.
Education was a private affair, arranged by parents based on their means and expectations for their child.
Three main fields:
- Basic literacy.
- Music.
- Physical education.

Literacy

Most went to the grammatistes, the elementary teacher who taught basic literacy.
- Citizens had to be literate to fully participate in democracy.
Grammata: the letters of the alphabet.
Reading works of the greats:
- Plato: once a boy learns his letters, he read the works of the great poets and memorizes them by heart. Here, he finds good advice and can model himself on them.
Memorization was crucial because it was part of adult life (ex: speeches for court required memorization).

Dance

Dance was a combination of music and physical activity.
Important to know as:
- The symposium ended in khoros, which included a dance and chorus.
- Warriors danced together to improve synchronization on the battlefield.
- Boxers danced to enhance their agility.

Physical Education

Paidotribes: sport trainer.
Gymnasion: gymnastic school (both public and private).
Palaistra: wrestling school.

Education of Girls

Women did not typically attend school, although some did (depending on social status).
- Girls from poor families only received basic literacy and went to work.
- In upper-class families, it was common for girls to receive a good education.
Written sources suggest that many girls did not go to school.
However, images of women reading long scrolls of text and records of women attending philosophical schools and becoming philosophers exist.
Depictions of girls participating in physical education (dancing, swimming, and exercise) also exist.
Girls needed to be literate to effectively manage their households.

Higher Education

Sophists: “sage” or “wise man”.
- Teachers that specialized in rhetoric (the art of speaking and persuasion).
- Not members of a “school”.
- Claimed to teach "arete", which meant excellence.
Gorgias from Leontinoi was one of the most famous sophists.
- Known for his ability to speak and defend any subject.

Socrates

Not a Sophist.
He was a professional educator.
Known for the Socratic Method:
- Reduced people to a state of confusion and helped them recognize the truth by asking questions.
- This led to his being charged and condemned to death for impiety and corruption of the youth.
Not well-liked anywhere, as noted by Aristophanes in his play "Clouds":
- Made fun of Socrates.
- Plot: Strepsiades, in debt, sends his son Pheidippides to the school of Socrates (The Thinkery) where he receives a false education, turning him into a bad person and forcing his father to burn The Thinkery down.

The Academy and the Lyceum

Schools of higher education.
The Academy was founded by Plato, and the Lyceum was founded by Aristotle, Plato's former student.
The Academy was the first educational institution with permanent facilities, an integrated curriculum, and a headmaster.

Agriculture and Society

Most Athenians owned land, usually small fields.
The goal of agriculture was to provide economic self-sufficiency.
Athenian citizens exported goods, mainly olive oil, their biggest and most profitable export.
Wealth derived from land was considered more honorable than wealth from craft trades.

Silver Mining

While agricultural work involved small fields and manufacturing work involved small workshops, silver mining was industrial, requiring many workers.
The most famous silver mines were at Laureion.
- They were public but leased to wealthy private entrepreneurs who sublet areas of the mines to contractors.
Slave-operated.
Silver used for coins, high risk of counterfeiting.

Feeding Athens, the Piraeus

Athens relied heavily on the export of olive oil.
A lot of land was devoted to growing olive trees.
Grain was imported to feed the population.
- Athenians passed laws to encourage traders to bring grain to the city.
A 2% import-export tax was levied at the Athenian port of Piraeus.
- This small tax was designed to not discourage traders.

Slavery

Roles of slave labor:
- Agriculture.
- Mining.
- Large-scale workshops.
- Housekeepers.
- Educators/caregivers for children.
Public slaves worked in places like the Agora as policemen or secretaries because they had no personal bias and could remain neutral.
Slaves were mostly foreigners.

Metoikos=Metic

Freed slaves and non-Athenian Greeks or foreigners who were in Athens for a month had to register as metics.
They had to pay a monthly tax and have a patron (prostates).
Metics were not full citizens and couldn't own property.
- They could serve in the army, appear in court, take part in festivals, and could be very wealthy.

Foreigners and Religion: the Thracian cult of Bendis

Due to the many Thracian slaves and Metics present in Athens, the cult of Bendis became an accepted city cult.

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