It’s time for lesson 2! In this lesson, we will think about society and daily life. You will be encouraged to think about the similarities and differences in Sparta and Athens during Ancient Grecian times, and also about the similarities and differences between the lives of citizens in Ancient Greece and your own daily life in the 21st Century. Let’s get started!
First, watch the video below. This will get you ready for thinking about the daily lives of Ancient Athenians.
Your task is now to complete the attached task, on Daily Life in Ancient Greece. Based on what you now know, write a short story about your life as a citizen living in Ancient Greece, in a city of your choosing. Transform this into a graphic novel by including illustrations. Further information is in the attachment below. Have fun, and get creative!
Consider the sources below, both by historian Xenophon. They are quotes relating to the women of ancient Athens (left) and ancient Sparta. What do you think these say about the daily lives and expectations of women?
| Women in Athens Xenophon, c. 370 BCE | Women in Sparta Xenophon, c. 388 BCE |
| “God made the woman’s nature, I think, for the indoors and and man’s for the outdoors. For he made the man’s body and mind better at enduring cold and heat…” | “He insisted on physical training for the female no less than for the male sex… believing that if both parents are strong they produce healthier children…” |
Consider what you have learned in class, and from these activities, about citizens of Ancient Greece. Use your knowledge of Spartan and Athenian societies to complete a Venn diagram, such as the one below – draw one in your notebook, and write down or enter in the information regarding Sparta in the left circle, the information regarding Athens in the right circle, and the information relevant to both societies in the middle.
Questions to consider:
- Think of three words to describe either a Spartan or an Athenian society.
- Would you rather be an Athenian or a Spartan citizen? Why?
- Pretend you are either a Spartan or Athenian citizen in Ancient Greece. Team up with someone from another city-state, and describe how daily life is for you.
The study of history involves making sense of the past, and understanding what has changed and what remains the same: “developing students’ ability to make sense of the past includes developing the ability to identify when the change occurred and when things continued unchanged”. How has daily life changed since the days of Ancient Greece? How is your life different compared to a young citizen of Sparta or Athens? Add a comment below with your answer.
For homework, complete the attached vocabulary activity. Use the knowledge you have from your textbook and from this week’s activities to complete the crossword puzzle.
Ancient Greece Activity Centre 