GREEK HOUSES:
Greek houses, in the 6th and
5th century BCE, were made up of two or three rooms, built around an
open air courtyard, built of stone, wood, or clay bricks. Larger homes
might also have a kitchen, a room for bathing, a men's dining room, and
perhaps a woman's sitting area.
Although the Greek women were
allowed to leave their homes for only short periods of time, they could
enjoy the open air, in the privacy of their courtyard. Much of
ancient Greek family life centered around the courtyard.
The ancient Greeks loved
stories and fables. One favorite family activity was to gather in the
courtyard to hear these stories, told by the mother or father. In their
courtyard, Greek women might relax, chat, and sew.
Most meals were enjoyed in
the courtyard. Greek cooking equipment was small and light and could
easily be set up there.
On bright, sunny days, the
women probably sheltered under a covered area of their courtyard, as the
ancient Greeks believed a pale complexion was a sign of beauty.
