Ancient Greek Attitudes

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses the ancient Greeks' attitudes and customs regarding the status of women, children, wealth, education and human slavery. The paper shows how these attitudes were passed down through the generations, into the days of the Roman Empire. The paper relates that Greek attitudes toward women and slavery are still relevant today, as women are still exploited in many ways, particularly in Asia and Africa.

From the Paper:

"In ancient Greece, the structure of society as it existed in the city-state or polis was divided into separate layers. At the top resided the royal family and the circle of the king's friends. Next came the social elites or those who owned vast amounts of private property and played major roles in Greek government, much like today's corporate CEO's and members of the U.S. Congress. Next in line were the leaders of the minority urban populations and the traditional lords and princes that had settled in Greece long before the city of Athens became a major center of political power. At the bottom layer were the common masses, such as free merchants, craftsmen, artists and laborers. However, on the outside of this hierarchy lived the slaves who were considered as social pariahs or undesirables by those above them."

Sample of Sources Used:

• "Greek Culture." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Internet. 2006. Retrieved fromhttp://www.crystalinks.com/greekculture.html.
• Long, Allan A. Hellenistic Philosophy. 2nd. ed. University of Berkeley Press, 1986.
• Onians, John. Art and Thought in the Hellenistic Age. UK: Constable Press, 1979.
• Walbank, F.W., Ed. Cambridge Ancient History, 2nd ed. Vol. 7 "The Hellenistic World."Cambridge University Press, 1984.

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