What were the social classes of ancient greece
Ancient Greece had a hierarchical social structure with three main classes:
1. Citizens (or Freeborn Greeks): This was the highest social class, consisting of freeborn adult males who were considered citizens of the city-state (polis). They had political rights, including the right to vote and participate in government. Citizens were also required to serve in the military and had certain legal and judicial privileges.
2. Metics (or Resident Aliens): Metics were foreigners or non-citizens who lived in a Greek city-state. They were not granted the full rights and privileges of citizens but were allowed to engage in trade and business. However, metics did not have voting rights or the ability to participate in politics.
3. Slaves: Slavery was a significant aspect of ancient Greek society. Slaves were considered property and were owned by citizens. They had no rights or freedoms and were expected to perform various tasks, including manual labor, household chores, and serving their owners. Slavery was an integral part of the economy, and slaves were commonly acquired through warfare and trade.
It's important to note that there were also significant distinctions within each class based on wealth, occupation, and regional differences. Ancient Greek society was not uniform, and social status could vary even within these broad categories.