Education
in Ancient Greece was an integral part of life if you were an Athenian, male,
and wealthy. Considered essential to a cultured citizenry, education was an
important part of the daily life of these Greeks. Their emphasis on literature and the arts has transcended
time. It has left an enduring legacy on
tutelage throughout the world.
Intelligence was highly prized by
the Greeks, especially the Athenians. They
believed that it was extremely important to cultivate the mind. For the Athenians a skilled mind was as crucial
as a sharp sword. They fervently felt
that one must be prepared intellectually for peace as well as one was for
war. In spite of this belief, however,
an education was still a privilege that was not enjoyed by the entire
population.
The dominance of males in the Athenian society is clearly
evidenced when one looks at the role of education. When a male child was born, he was educated at home until he
reached the age of 6 or 7 years.
Ironically, the child was educated by his mother or a by a male
slave. After age 7, he attended a
school where his formal education continued until the age of 18. Eighteen-year-olds were then sent to a
military school.
Although they enjoyed a reputation
as honorable soldiers, the Athenians were renowned for their passionate
appreciation of literature, art, and philosophy. Students were required to study and memorize Homer, excel in
their knowledge of music, and master the skill of writing. This was often accomplished without the
advantage of books, scarce and costly in those days.
While women were not allowed to
participate as students in this important aspect of Greek society, the
appreciation of education cannot be discounted. The vitality and the significance that the Athenians imparted to
intellectual matters was notable. People
throughout the world have been affected by the knowledge of these ancient
Greeks. They have left an indelible
mark on the past which continues to impact the future.