What role did each of the following play in the life of Athens: male citizens, women, and slaves? The people in Athens during the Classical Age were defined by their gender and social status. They were guided by strict rules of behavior ( Levack, Muir, & Veldman p.95). Even within the genders there were defined roles. A hierarchy of gender roles determined a person's access to public spaces, legal rights, and opportunities to work( Levack, Muir, & Veldman p.95). Male citizens of Athens were afforded the most rights and freedoms. Only male citizens were allowed to hold office or be jurors in the busy Athenian court system. The ownership of slaves afforded them the time to participate in these activities and services. They “controlled wealth and inheritance”. They were the highest in the hierarchy of Athenian life at this time. Women in Athenian society of this held several different roles. Care of the home and family was the main role. Women were expected to marry early in puberty( Levack, Muir, & Veldman p.96). There were women who served as priestesses. These women gained high prestige in their communities( Levack, Muir, & Veldman p.97). “All Greek cities had prostitutes, their profession was considered shameful.” In addition there were the hetairi. They were “elite courtesans” hired to accompany the men to “social gatherings” and to also provide sex. During this time it is clear women were treated as lesser citizens of Athens. The lowest class in the hierarchy were the slaves. Slaves had no political, legal, or personal rights( Levack, Muir, & Veldman p.97).Out of 250,000 citizens of Athens about one third were slaves. “This was similar in other Greek poleis.” Before 594 B.C.E. most of these
