Ancient Greek kids

GREEK BABIES: The ancient Greeks thought of their children to be "youths" until they reached the age of 30! When a child was born to an Ancient Greek family, the father carried his child in a ceremonial dance around the household. Friends and family sent gifts. The family decorated the doorway of their home with a wreath of olives (for a boy) or a wreath of wool (for a girl).

Strange that the Greeks thought of the children as youths for 30 years!

GREEK GIRLS: In Athens, as in most Greek city-states, with the exception of Sparta, girls stayed at home until they were married. Like their mother, they could attend certain festivals, funerals, and visit neighbors for brief periods of time. Their job was to help their mother, and to help in the fields, if necessary.

Poor girls. They don't seem to have mattered that much back then!

GREEK BOYS: In most Greek city-states, when young, the boys stayed at home, helping in the fields, sailing, and fishing. At age 6 or 7, they went to school.

Just think of boys nowadays! They start school at the age of 3, maybe 2!

Emily