The Greeks Spotlight on Ancient Greeks The Mycenaeans and Homer Greek Settlements The Land of Greece The City-State, Athens Democracy The City at War Naval Warfare Religion and the Gods Temples The Olympic Games The Family Home Greek Women Education Symposium Theaters and Actors Craftsmen Illness and Death Learning and Inventions

Education School was only for boys. They began school at the age of seven. The main subjects were reading, writing, and music. The Greeks loved music. It was important to learn to play well because music was part of every festival and celebration. Often a schoolroom would also have a palaistra - a training ground for physical education - next door. In Athens it was important to read because the laws were written out in stone. Children also learned to read the work of great poets such as Homer. Writing was done on a wax tablet which could be smoothed over and written on again. A few girls learned to read but most were only taught how to look after a home. (A) TEACHERS There were different teachers for music, reading, and sports. Teachers were not well paid and therefore teaching was not a popular profession. (B) PUPILS These pupils are writing on their wax tablets. The same word was practised many times.   Previous: Back Book: The Greeks Section: Spotlight on Ancient Greeks Chapter: Education