Ancient Greek Education:
Education in Athens:
In Athens boys went to school around the age of 6 or 7. There were three different types of schools. There was a school for sports, a school for music and a school for reading, writing, and math. If the boys wanted a further their education they could go to an academy. Families who had a lot of money would pay a slave to supervise their child in school. These slaves were called Paidagogos. These slaves made sure the boy(s) were safe and behaving. They might even help them with there work. In the school for sports they practiced physical education. This was held at Palaistra, which was an open field. The boys had to practice and learn the sports naked. Some of the sports that the boys would learn included: javelin, discuss, long jump, running, boxing, and wrestling. In the school for music, the boys learned to play the lyre. The lyre was like a small harp. The boys were also taught how to sing along with the lyre. In the third school the boys learned how to read, write, and do math. They also studied literature. The boys might also been taught how to draw and paint. These schools had strict teacher. The teacher hit students with sandals when they misbehaved. If These ancient Greek schools were private schools. This meant that you had to pay to go to school. These schools did not have to follow any laws either. None of the three schools were consider more important than another. Parents would deiced how long to keep there son on school. Some kids got no education at all. Girls did not get that great of education. They might have been taught by their mothers. The girls were mostly taught how to do house work. |
Education in Sparta:
Educating in Sparta was way different than in Athens. Sparta's education focused at creating good soldiers. Every male citizen of Sparta had to serve in the army. These schools taught them how to be a soldier. These boys had to leave home at age 7 to serve in the army. It was a a very hard life for a soldier. They only got one cloak a year and received no shoes. They did not get much food to eat and had to sleep on a mat bed. They were also taught basic reading and writing as well as how to play music. Physical education was considered the most important class. Girls had an education in Sparta too. The girls lived in girl barracks. Physical education was also the most important class for girls too. Girls were suppose to be strong like their mothers. They were also taught some music and dancing. |