Block 1 - Chapter 1 - Athens, Places and People

Chapter 1: Athens - Places and People

I. Introduction: Culture & Place

• Ancient culture associated with shared places such as city-states (polis).

• Culture expresses ideology and values through the organization of public and private spaces.

• Focus on the Athenian agora and private homes; examine how places contribute to understanding Athenian culture.

• Emphasis on Classical period (479 - 323 BCE) as the cultural height of Athens.

II. Types of Places

A. Public Spaces: Acropolis & the Agora

1. The Acropolis

   • Ancient citadel; home of the Parthenon, temple dedicated to Athena.

   • Important for religious and ceremonial purposes; used mainly during special occasions.

2. The Agora

   • Central hub for daily business: commerce, politics, law, religion, and social life.

   • Reflects societal values and cultural identity.

B. Private Space: The Oikos (Athenian Home)

• The home as the domain of women; men engaged in public life.

• Uncovering reality vs. ideal in Athenian life through examination of the oikos.

III. The Agora in Depth

A. Government

• Athenian democracy involved direct participation without elected representatives.

1. Citizenship

   • Athenian citizens: free men over 18 from two Athenian parents; rights to own land, vote, and serve on juries.

2. Democratic Structure

   • Assembly (ecclesia): central voter body for laws and governance.

   • Council of 500 (boule): prepared agendas for the Assembly.

   • Archons: chief magistrates overseeing various duties.

IV. Law & Courts

• Athenian juries composed of citizens, deciding outcomes of trials.

• Punishments varied from fines to death penalties; citizens responsible for prosecution.

• Humor in law reflected by poets like Eubulus.

V. Commerce

• Trade essential for Athenian economy; open stalls and permanent shops in the agora.

• Shops located near the agora catered to the high foot traffic.

VI. Religion

• Polytheistic beliefs influenced public and private life; rituals undertaken in various settings.

• Key temples and shrines in the agora served to reinforce civic values.

VII. Performing Citizenship and Culture

• The agora served as a public reflection of Athenian values such as democracy, law, and religion.

• Importance of visibility and participation in the public sphere for Athenian identity.

VIII. Who was in the Agora?

• Diverse presence: citizens, foreign metics, and enslaved individuals contributed to societal functions.

IX. The Oikos: The Athenian Home

• Oikos connoted both the physical dwelling and the household's members.

• Depicted idealized gender roles; men were heads of households and women confined to domestic spheres.