It’s Back to School Time!
But what if you lived in Ancient Greece?
What was school like for children in ancient Greece during the Golden Age of Greece, when philosophers like Socrates roamed the streets of Athens, the magnificent Parthenon was built, and democracy was born? What school supplies would a parent need to buy?
Boys in Athens:
- Started school at the age of 7.
- Attended school during the day in a building called a “gymnasium.”
- Studied math, reading, writing, public speaking, and playing musical instruments.
- Had P.E classes where they participated in track and field events, boxing, and wrestling.
- Studied logic and ethics because Athenian citizens voted on public policies and were expected to be informed on the issue and vote with moral mindfulness.
- Attended school until the age of 14. Boys from wealthy homes could continue their education with a private tutor until the age of 18 when they were required to enter the military for two years.
School Supplies:
- Students wrote on wooden tablets covered in soft wax using a stylus made of bone or metal. No need for erasers—just put the tablet in direct sunlight!
- Teachers read from rolled papyrus scrolls called “biblos.” Our modern word “bible” comes from this Greek word.
Girls in Athens:
- Did not attend school and were mostly illiterate.
- Remained at home and learned skills necessary to run a household, like weaving and sewing garments and preparing and storing food.
- In a small percentage of wealthy homes, a tutor might be hired to teach a girl to read.
I’ve been researching ancient Greece for the background of the historical novel I’m currently writing. Next time, we’ll talk about marriage in ancient Greece!
