Examine the following list of social classes. Which list accurately identifies the social class hierarchy of Greek city-states?

Question

List 1: Perioikoi, Laborers, Foreigners, Aristoi, Women, Artisans
List 2: Artisans, Aristoi, Perioikoi, foreigners, Women, Laborers
List 3: Perioikoi, Artisans, Arostoi, Foreigners, Women, Laborers
List 4: Aristoi, Artisans, Periokoi, Women, Laborers, Foreigners

Answer 1

The social class hierarchy in Greek city-states, particularly in places like Sparta and Athens, often included a range of classes with specific roles and statuses. Based on historical context, the hierarchy can be understood more accurately as follows:

1. Aristoi (Aristocrats): The elite, land-owning class.
2. Perioikoi: Free but non-citizen inhabitants, often involved in trade and crafts, found mainly in Sparta.
3. Artisans: Skilled workers who crafted goods.
4. Laborers: Common workers, often performing manual labor.
5. Women: Generally had limited rights and were considered below men in the social structure.
6. Foreigners: Typically had the least rights, often being resident aliens without citizenship.

Considering this hierarchy, List 4: Aristoi, Artisans, Perioikoi, Women, Laborers, Foreigners best represents the general social class structure of Greek city-states.