The people of ancient Athens' daily lives shaped how they lived and governed. Only men born in Athens could become citizens. Non native Athenians paid taxes and fought in the army, but could not become citizens. They also could not vote or own property. Slaves were at the bottom of the social classes. Wealthier women depended on their husbands (and were very obedient), and could not go out alone in public (without their husbands). Poor women could work and had more freedom than wealthier women. Wealthy Athenian boys went to school. Girls did not attend school, instead they cleaned and did other domestic work around the house. Poor children had to work. The Athenians were named after the Greek goddess Athena and they built a marble temple called the Parthenon dedicated to Athena. The acropolis is a hill in the middle of Athens with all the important buildings. The agora was the central marketplace for Athens where they discussed politics, socialized, and shopped. Ancient Greeks usually wore draped tunics called chitons.

Athens replaced their monarchy (kings ruled) with an aristocracy (the wealthy elite ruled). Trouble began to happen and Athenians established a democracy (citizens have a direct say in government). 

Ancient Greek art showed the importance and accomplishments of human beings. Most of their artwork was made to honor the gods. However, some art depicted the daily lives of people. Most of the artwork was government sponsored and was supposed to be for public display.

Around 450 B.C., the Athenian general Pericles tried to make his power stronger by using public money (dues paid to Athens by its allies in the Delian League alliance) to support the city states artists and thinkers. Pericles paid artisans to build temples and other public buildings in the city of Athens. He wanted to win the support of the Athenian people by giving out many construction jobs. The of building public monuments would create jobs. The monuments were to be so great that people would come from far away to see it. The other Greek city-states did not like that Pericles used this money to enrich only Athens. Also, the money from the Delian league was supposed to be used to defend themselves from the Persian Empire. Sparta united with other Greek city-states and started the Peloponnesian League. The Peloponnesian League (led by Sparta) declared war on Athens and its allies.