In ancient Greece, citizenship varied between city-states, but generally, the following groups were considered citizens, particularly in the prominent city-state of Athens:
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Freeborn Male Citizens: Adult males born to citizen parents were the primary citizens. This included those who had completed military training, known as the ephebia, and were typically 18 years or older.
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Citizens by Birth: Males born to Athenian citizen parents, both of whom were citizens, were recognized as full citizens. However, there were laws, such as the one introduced by Pericles, stating that a citizen had to have both parents be Athenian citizens to be considered a citizen.
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Metics: While not citizens, metics were free non-citizens who resided in Athens. They were often immigrants or descendants of immigrants and contributed to the economy but lacked political rights. They could engage in commerce and own property but had to pay a special tax and couldn’t participate in the political life of the city.
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Slaves: Slaves were not considered citizens and had no rights. They could be freed or live in a household as part of a patronage system, but they were not recognized as citizens.
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Females: Women were generally not considered citizens in their own right and did not participate in political life. Athenian women could hold some social status but had limited legal rights.
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Children: Children of Athenian citizens were not considered citizens until they reached adulthood and completed their military training.
In other city-states, like Sparta, citizenship requirements were different. Spartan citizens, known as Spartiates, were typically male, land-owning warriors who had undergone rigorous military training. The societal roles, citizenship status, and rights varied considerably across ancient Greece's many city-states.