The Greek House

    Greek Houses in the 5th or 6th century B.C., were very simple. They were generally made up of two to three rooms centered around a large courtyard. At the front, or façade of the house, you would only find one door, and a set of windows that were very high off the ground. In larger homes, you could also find a kitchen, a room for bathing, several bedrooms, a men’s andron for dining, and even a suite of rooms called the gynaikonitis for the use of women. Women used to receive visitors in the gynaikonitis, and the men would host drinking parties in the andron. Most of these rooms were usually located on the second floor.

    Family life was centered on the courtyard as well. The courtyard was a large open area built of stone, clay bricks, or wood. Especially women spent a lot of their time in the courtyard since custom forbid them to leave the house except to visit nearby neighbors. In the courtyard they might, chat, relax, or sew. On sunny days women would sit in a shady area, because the Greeks believed that a pale complexion was beautiful. However, the women were not the only family members who spent time in the courtyard. One of the favorite family activities for the Greeks took place in the courtyard: story-telling.

Click here to view an image of a typical rich man's house
 
 

The Symposium:

 

After evening meals, the father might hold a symposium, or drinking party for his male guests. At a symposium, the guests would sit down on couches, while food and drink would be set before them on low tables. The host could hire female entertainers as well, but the guest-list always excluded the wife and daughters. Symposia were held on special occasions.

Some Pictures

Because of the shape of this drinking vessel, it cannot stand, unless it is empty.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Attic Red Figure Kylixca. 480 B.C.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Attic Red Figure Kylix
ca. 460 B.C.
 
 

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