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What was Ancient Greece like?

Ancient Greece had a warm, dry climate, as Greece does today. Most people lived by farming, fishing and trade. Others were soldiers, scholars, scientists and artists. Greek cities had beautiful temples with stone columns and statues, and open-air theatres where people sat to watch plays.

Below is a depiction of city life in Ancient Greece. Can you make out what is happening? Why do you think that it is mostly men depicted?

Picture Id: 559394 National Geographic Creative Description: Men vote to ostracize a fellow citizen in the Athenian Agora.

Most people lived in villages or in the countryside. Many Greeks were poor and life was hard, because farmland, water and timber for building were scarce. That's why many Greeks sailed off to find new lands to settle.

Ancient Greek homes were built around a courtyard or garden. The walls were often made from wood and mud bricks. They had small windows with no glass, but wooden shutters to keep out the hot sun.

They didn't have much furniture inside. People sat on wooden chairs or stools. Rich people decorated the walls and floors with colourful tiles and paintings.

Many homes didn’t have a bathroom. There were public baths, but most people washed using a small bucket or in a nearby stream. Only rich women (with slaves to carry the water) enjoyed baths at home. Afterwards they rubbed their bodies with perfumed oil to keep their skin soft.

At night, Greeks slept on beds stuffed with wool, feathers or dry grass. Most people went to bed as soon as it got dark. The only light came from flickering oil lamps and candles.

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