Knowledge of Athenian Society

Athenian Political Structure

Familiarise yourself with the three main political institutions in Athens: the Assembly (Ecclesia), the Council (Boule) and the Courts (Dikasteria).
Understand the direct democracy practiced in Athens where the Assembly, composed of male citizens over 18, made decisions on law, war, and foreign policy.
Note that the Council, made up of 500 citizens chosen by lot, proposed motions for the Assembly to debate and vote on.
Explore the role of the Courts where all citizens could serve as jurors, providing oversight and accountability for democracy.

Learn about the three main classes in Athenian society: citizens, metics, and slaves.
Acknowledge that citizens were free-born Athenian men who participated in political life and owned property.
Recognise that metics were resident foreigners who contributed to the economy but had no political rights.
Note the fundamental role that slaves played in the economy and everyday life of Athens.

Appreciate the economy was based on agriculture, trade, and manufacturing.
Grasp that agriculture was primarily focused on olive oil, wine, and pottery, which were exported throughout the Mediterranean.
Understand the importance of trade, facilitated by Athens’ mighty naval power and extensive harbour at Piraeus.
Recognise the reliance on slave labour for manufacturing and other manual work.

Understand that the Athenians were polytheistic, worshipping a multitude of gods and goddesses, with Athena as the city’s patron.
Be aware of the annual religious festivals, such as the Panathenaia, which were integral to Athenian religious, social, and political life.
Study the role of sacrifices and offerings made to the gods at sanctuary sites such as the Acropolis.
Recognise the importance of Oracle consultation, especially from Delphi, in decision making.

Note that education focused on physical fitness, music, and basic reading and writing for boys, while girls were educated at home with domestic skills.
Recognise the centrality of the gymnasium and the palaestra for athletic training and social interaction among males.
Appreciate the significance of theatre in Athenian leisure life, drama being a vital component of festivals like the Dionysia.