Athens: Education
Athenian democracy relied on well-prepared citizens. People in Athens believed that producing good citizens was the main purpose of education.
Since only boys could become citizens, boys and girls were educated quite differently.
Athenians believed that a good citizen should have both an intelligent mind and a healthy body. Therefore, book learning and physical training were equally important. Boys were taught at home by their mothers or enslaved males until the age of 6 or 7. Then boys went to school until about the age of 14. Instructors taught reading, writing, arithmetic, and literature. Because books were rare and very expensive, students had to read subjects out loud and memorize everything. Writing tablets helped boys learn. To build boys' strength, coaches taught sports such as wrestling and gymnastics. Boys also studied music and learned to sing and to play the lyre, a stringed instrument like a harp.
At 18, Athenian men began their military training. After their army service, wealthy young men might study with private teachers who charged high fees for lessons in debating and public speaking that would help mold young men into future political leaders.
Unlike boys, most girls did not learn to read or write. Instead, girls grew up helping their mothers with household tasks like cooking, cleaning, spinning thread, and weaving cloth. Some also learned ancient secret songs and dances performed for religious festivals. Girls usually married around the age of 15. Those from wealthy families married men chosen by their fathers, while girls from poor families often had more choice.
Since only boys could become citizens, boys and girls were educated quite differently.
Athenians believed that a good citizen should have both an intelligent mind and a healthy body. Therefore, book learning and physical training were equally important. Boys were taught at home by their mothers or enslaved males until the age of 6 or 7. Then boys went to school until about the age of 14. Instructors taught reading, writing, arithmetic, and literature. Because books were rare and very expensive, students had to read subjects out loud and memorize everything. Writing tablets helped boys learn. To build boys' strength, coaches taught sports such as wrestling and gymnastics. Boys also studied music and learned to sing and to play the lyre, a stringed instrument like a harp.
At 18, Athenian men began their military training. After their army service, wealthy young men might study with private teachers who charged high fees for lessons in debating and public speaking that would help mold young men into future political leaders.
Unlike boys, most girls did not learn to read or write. Instead, girls grew up helping their mothers with household tasks like cooking, cleaning, spinning thread, and weaving cloth. Some also learned ancient secret songs and dances performed for religious festivals. Girls usually married around the age of 15. Those from wealthy families married men chosen by their fathers, while girls from poor families often had more choice.
relied (verb)
To depend on someone or something for help or support.
Example Sentence: The team relied on their star player to score the winning goal.
citizens (noun)
People who live in a country and have the right to vote and participate in government.
Example Sentence: The citizens of the United States have the right to vote for their leaders.
purpose (noun)
The reason why something is done or exists.
Example Sentence: The purpose of school is to help students learn and grow.
instructors (noun)
Teachers who teach a particular subject.
Example Sentence: The instructors at the dance studio taught students different styles of dance.
gymnastics (noun)
A sport that involves exercises that require strength, flexibility, and coordination.
Example Sentence: The gymnast performed a difficult routine on the uneven bars.
To depend on someone or something for help or support.
Example Sentence: The team relied on their star player to score the winning goal.
citizens (noun)
People who live in a country and have the right to vote and participate in government.
Example Sentence: The citizens of the United States have the right to vote for their leaders.
purpose (noun)
The reason why something is done or exists.
Example Sentence: The purpose of school is to help students learn and grow.
instructors (noun)
Teachers who teach a particular subject.
Example Sentence: The instructors at the dance studio taught students different styles of dance.
gymnastics (noun)
A sport that involves exercises that require strength, flexibility, and coordination.
Example Sentence: The gymnast performed a difficult routine on the uneven bars.