thÄtes
Quick Summary
The thetes were the lowest social class in ancient Greece, particularly in Athens. They were primarily distinguished by their lack of property and their reliance on manual labor, often working as agricultural laborers, craftsmen, or rowers in the navy.12
Before reforms, the thetes and the hoplite class (citizen-soldiers who could afford their own armor) often had aligned interests, as both were excluded from holding the high office of archon until later periods. While slaves formed the lowest rung of society, many thetes likely owned slaves themselves. The leisure provided by slave labor may have allowed thetes, like other classes, to participate in politics and philosophy. The thetes played a crucial role in the Athenian navy, forming the backbone of its fleet.12
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ancient Greek civilizationThe rejection of Cimonā¦the interests of hoplites and thÄtes, now as at other normal times, coincided; both were denied the chance of standing for the archonship before 457 (the hoplites were admitted to it in that year). On the whole, it is the top two āSolonianā groups, the pentakosiomedimnoi and the cavalry classā¦
Read Moreā¦the interests of hoplites and thÄtes, now as at other normal times, coincided; both were denied the chance of standing for the archonship before 457 (the hoplites were admitted to it in that year). On the whole, it is the top two āSolonianā groups, the pentakosiomedimnoi and the cavalry classā¦
Read More- ancient Greek civilizationSlaves
ā¦down to and including the thÄtes, with the leisure for politics and philosophy. The answer depends on population figures, which are far from certain; perhaps the total slave population approached six figures (the adult male population in 431 was 42,000). Probably many thÄtes did own slaves. Although slaves were usedā¦
Read Moreā¦down to and including the thÄtes, with the leisure for politics and philosophy. The answer depends on population figures, which are far from certain; perhaps the total slave population approached six figures (the adult male population in 431 was 42,000). Probably many thÄtes did own slaves. Although slaves were usedā¦
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