Chapter 4 Section 4

The Greeks Lived a Rich and Varied Life Objectives How did the Olympic Games begin? What kinds of products did the Greek manufacturers make? What roles were women expected to play in Greek society?

I.Greeks Worshipped Many Gods The Greeks were very religious people who worshipped many gods Most of these gods represented forces of nature – wind, rain, storms, deaths, births Most of these great gods were said to live on Mount Olympus – highest peak in Greece

Gods of the Greeks had many human qualities They argued, made mistakes, and fell in love, but all was done on a grand scale They did not set out strict moral rules for humans to follow Honored by very elaborate and varied rituals Human sacrifices were made to some gods, but later substituted for animals and food

Greeks mixed superstition with religion Before partaking in anything the Greeks would consult an oracle. Oracle – special priest whom the Greeks believed the gods spoke to them through signs or omens Most famous of these oracles lived at Delphi – she gave information to many of the governmental bodies and religious leaders.

II. Ancient Greeks Made Their Living in Varied Ways Poor farmers made up the largest group in Greek society Poor farmers and peasants in Greece, unlike other places, could own land if they were citizens Some city-states could not grow enough food for their own needs so they would have to buy it from other city-states

The shortage of basic food supplies led farmers in some areas to grow grapes and olives The wine and olive oil could be sold to others to help buy food supplies Businesses in Greece centered around farming and manufacturing and trading Every city-state had its own system of weights, coinage, measurements, and banking

Mountains made transportation dangerous and expensive Much of the trading was done by sea Manufactures turned out a wide variety of goods to sell and trade Weapons, clothes harnesses for horses, household utensils, natural resources, marble, and machines were just some of the items traded or sold

III. Women’s Lives Centered Around the Home Greeks expected women to be housekeepers and to maintain the home for their husbands and children The husbands ruled the household Roles of women varied among the city- states of Greece Women were not a part of the economic life

They could not make contracts or buy or sell anything, borrow money or sue They could not even inherit her husbands property after he died They wore veils at religious services Spent most of their time in the women’s quarters of the home In 450 BC, a woman names Aspasia opened a school for young women and it was well attended

Gradually, over time the women of Greece started to play a more active part in the culture and the communities

IV. Social Class Divided the Greek Society Greek society, like others was divided into various classes At top of the social class stood the citizens of the city-states Below them were the Metics – these were the foreigners living in the Greek city- states

Metics dominated the commercial life of the city-states Shopkeepers, workers, merchants, and bankers were not citizens Most citizens considered it undignified to work for a living As in Sparta, the city-states had slaves to do most of the work Most slaves had been people who were captured in wars

Most were of some sort of professional working group or teacher Some slaves were awarded or granted freedom The common people lived simply – simple home, clothes and food