The life and customs of the ancient Greeks

ancient-greeks

It is surprising when you find out that the people who lived thousands of years ago did not live very different from you. The human being has always been the same, basically, and although today we have technology to seas and very urban lives when you learn about it ancient greek lifestyleyes, you realize how alike we are despite time.

¿What were the houses of the ancient Greeks like? Most of the Greek houses were small and used to have a courtyard in the middle. Built with sun-dried clay bricks, they were not very durable, so they always had to be rebuilt. The ceilings were tiled, the windows small, without glass but with wooden shutters that kept out the sun. That is why not many of these houses have survived to this day. The interiors did not have much furniture and tables and chairs were usually made of simple wood.

The wealthy Greeks did have slaves for household chores or working the fields and workshops. A rich Greek could have 50 slaves and his house was much more decorated as he could afford to paint murals, decorate gardens, have fountains and mosaics. As for married life, the women stayed at home, weaving or spinning, cooking and caring for the children. Rich women only left their homes with the company of a male slave, although poor women went shopping alone, for example, or accompanied their husbands and could be with friends. The truth is that very few Greek women had freedoms and the place of women in general was one of submission to men.

¿How the ancient Greeks dressed? The women wore a long robe, Hush made with cotton or linen, it was said to reach the ankles. Above they wore a coat that was light in summer and thicker in winter and hung from the shoulders. Young men wore short tunics and older men longer. Many walked directly barefoot or wore leather sandals or, if they were riding horses, boots. Both men and women used to wear hats to protect themselves from the sun and the richest people wore jewelry.


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