In ancient Greece, society was divided into different social classes. Here’s a simple ranking:
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Citizens: This was the highest class, made up of free men who were born in Athens (or other city-states). They could own land, vote, and participate in government. They had rights and responsibilities.
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Metics: These were free people from other city-states or foreign lands. They could work and live in a city like Athens, but they couldn’t vote or own land. They played important roles in business and trade.
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Slaves: Slaves had no rights at all. They were usually captured in war or born into slavery. They worked for their owners and did many tasks, from farming to household chores. Slavery was common in ancient Greece.
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Women: Women’s status varied, but they were often considered lower than men, even if they were citizens. Their main roles were taking care of the home and children. In some places, women had more freedom, like in Sparta, but generally, they couldn’t vote or participate in politics.
Each class had different roles and rights, and social status was really important in ancient Greek life!
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