Ancient Greece was characterized by a complex social structure, which varied somewhat between city-states, particularly between Athens and Sparta. However, a general ranking of social classes can be outlined as follows:
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Citizens: At the top of the social hierarchy were male citizens, who held full legal rights and privileges. Citizenship was limited to freeborn males who had completed military training and were born to citizen parents. Citizens participated in the political life of the city, including voting in assemblies and holding public office. In Athens, only about 10-20% of the population were citizens.
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Metics: This class included free non-citizens, typically immigrants who settled in a city-state. Metics had certain legal protections and could own businesses, but they were not permitted to vote or hold public office. They were often essential to the economy, contributing skilled labor and trade. In exchange for their rights, metics were usually required to pay taxes and serve in the military if necessary.
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Slaves: Slavery was a common institution in Ancient Greece. Slaves were typically war captives, born into slavery, or debtors. They had no personal freedoms or legal rights and were considered the property of their owners. Some slaves worked in households, while others labored in agriculture, mines, or as skilled artisans. While their treatment varied based on the master and circumstances, they could sometimes earn their freedom.
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Women: Women in Ancient Greece had a subordinate position in society and varied significantly in terms of status depending on the city-state. In most contexts, women were expected to manage the household and were often excluded from public life. While Spartan women had more rights and could own property and participate in physical training, Athenian women were generally confined to domestic roles and had limited social freedoms.
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Foreigners: This category includes those who were neither citizens nor metics. Foreigners held little standing in Greek society, often facing restrictions and being seen as outsiders. However, they could engage in trade, especially in major port cities.
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Day Laborers and Poor Peasants: Below the metics and citizens were the day laborers and poor peasants, who often struggled to survive. They might work as agricultural laborers or engage in manual labor in urban areas. Though poor, they could occasionally own small plots of land depending on the city-state’s policies.
Each of these classes played a vital role in the civic and economic life of Ancient Greece, contributing to the development of one of the most influential cultures in Western history. Social mobility was limited, but individuals could sometimes improve their status through wealth, skill, or exceptional service.