Athenian Society

• Athens was the cultural and intellectual centre of the Greek world in fifth century BC
• Most traditional 'Greek' things that come to mind come from Athens, including philosophy, comedy, tragedy, science, mathematics and more
• Many flocked to Athens to experience the culture. These immigrants were known as "Metics"
• Athens embraced diversity and its connections to the Mediterranean world
• Athens became known as a city always looking to innovate and improve itself
• Women were second class citizens and the property of their husbands and male relatives
• There was incredible inequality, with the small and wealthy elite dominating the social and political life of the city
• Slavery was rife, with between a third and a half of all residents being imported slaves
• This meant that Athens relied on having a submissive slave population in order to keep the peace