Fine arts
School clubs
sports
Well…schools were a lot different to the ones we have today. Much of the teaching was conducted outdoors and children were taught Language, ( reading, writing ) mathematics and science. But they were also taught
music. Not just listening to it but playing it. It was considered of equal importance to other abilities and
that’s hardly surprising…can you imagine your life without any music?
A scene from a vase Ancient music lessons
Boys and girls received the same basic education but boys could also hire tutors or join a master in
philosophy and science and continue his studies. Needless to say that even in a city like Sparta, where
being a soldier was the most important thing in their life, music was also considered important. It enabled
people to move better, have rhythm and express themselves in poetry and drama.
The market place in Thessaloniki
People met at the place
of the Agora ( market
place ) which was either
open or galleried like in
later Roman times.
People discussed
political issues,
philosophy and it was a
part of the culture. Part
of teenagers’ teaching
involved taking part in
talks and learn how to
argue ,close to modern-
time debate-clubs. The
ones that could stand
out hoped for a political
career!
Agora
An ancient play was by no means a simple thing.
Drama, theater, music and
dancing were considered more
than fine arts. They were part
of everyday life, religious
rituals and politics. People
attended theater plays pretty
much the same way we attend
church on Sundays. In order to
be educated, spiritually
aroused and motivated. They
talked about gods and people,
conflicts regarding ethical
laws and human laws.
Drama
The acoustics of ancient theaters enabled a lot of people to watch a play outdoors.
Children, teenagers and grown ups alike, were instructed to take exercise and maintain good health. The saying of the ancients was “Healthy mind in a healthy body”.
The gyms were full of boys and men. In the case of Sparta, boys and girls were trained alike.
The Olympic games are an example of how important sports were. During the games any cities in war had to
have a truce.
We now consider fine arts, music, sports as fine activities that keep children happy but other than that they are not real hard core education. Few hours are actually spend over them and in some cases the teachers are not considered educators at all ! How many teaching hours are given to these subjects in your curriculum?
Well, in my school we only devote 4 hours every week!
That’s 4 out of 35! That’s a big change!
They can use simple organic materials to
make…Creams and oils!
It’s actually a bracelet It’s relaxing and fun!
Like cards to send… Paint bottles…..