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Education in ancient Greece


From its origins in the Homeric and the aristocratic tradition, Greek education was vastly "democratized" in the 5th century BCE, influenced by the Sophists, Plato and Isocrates. In the Hellenistic period, education in a gymnasium was considered an inextricable essential for participation in the Greek culture. The value of physical education to the ancient Greek and Romans throughout history society has placed a different value on physical education and sport. There were two forms of education in ancient Greece: formal and informal. Formal education was attained through attendance to a public school or was provided by a hired tutor. Informal education was provided by an unpaid teacher, and occurred in a non-public setting. Education was an essential component of a person's identity

Formal Greek education was primarily for males and non-slaves. In some poleis, laws were passed to prohibit the education of slaves. The Spartans also taught music and dance, but with the purpose of enhancing their maneuverability as soldiers.

Old Education in classical Athens consisted of two major parts - intellectual and physical, or what was known to Athenians as "gumnastike" and "mousike." Gumanstike was a physical education that mirrored the ideals of the military - strength, stamina, and preparation for war. Having a physically fit body was extremely important to the Athenians. Boys would begin physical education either during or just after beginning their elementary education. Initially, they would learn from a private teacher known as a paidotribe. Eventually, the boys would begin training at the gymnasium. Physical training was seen as necessary for improving one's appearance, preparation for war, and good health at an old age. On the other hand, mousike was a combination of modern-day music, dance, lyrics, and poetry. Mousike provided students with examples of beauty and nobility, as well as an appreciation of harmony and rhythm. Students would write using a stylus, with which they would etch onto a wax-covered board. When children were ready to begin reading whole works, they would often be given poetry to memorize and recite. Mythopoeic legends such as Hesiod and Homer were also highly regarded by Athenians, and their works were often incorporated into lesson plans. Old Education lacked heavy structure and only featured schooling up to the elementary level. Once a child reached adolescence his formal education ended. Therefore, a large part of this education was informal and relied on simple human experience.


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