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.
Note:
The
following is a key to the colors used above. The colored bars are the main
ideas and thesis statements as noted. The colored letters are the supporting details.
Red – the
first main idea.
Blue –
the second main idea
Green –
the third main idea
Yellow –
the thesis statement, stated in the introduction and restated in the
conclusion.