Why did John Milton argue that Greek and Latin should be part of education?

In his 1644 tract Of Education, John Milton advocated for the study of Greek and Latin not as ends in themselves, but as essential tools for accessing the wisdom of Classical antiquity in literature, philosophy, and politics.1

Aligning with the ideals of the Renaissance gentleman, Milton believed that mastering these languages would equip young men of the nobility to perform all private and public duties required in both peace and war. His curriculum aimed to mold students into responsible, enlightened leaders and citizens. By engaging directly with ancient texts, students could cultivate the rhetorical and intellectual skills necessary for public life, a practice reflected in Milton’s own reliance on classical orators like Isocrates, Demosthenes, and Cicero when composing his own defenses of freedom of speech. Ultimately, this classical foundation was intended to be balanced with Christian teaching and the Bible to ensure a well-rounded education.12