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Metics were the resident aliens of Athens. They were traders, students, craftsmen etc. They did not have citizenship rights, but had a degree of protection as residents. They were required to help defend the city if it was was threatened (but not required for expeditionary forces), having their own regiment and expected to fight as well or better than the citizens.

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Which had foreigners as a working class in Sparta and Athens?

In Sparta, the working class primarily consisted of the helots, who were subjugated populations primarily from Messenia, while foreign workers, known as "metics," were less prominent in Spartan society. In contrast, Athens had a significant population of metics, who were free foreigners living in the city and engaged in various professions, contributing to the economy. These metics often faced legal restrictions and were required to pay taxes, but they played a crucial role in Athenian trade and craftsmanship. Thus, while both city-states had forms of foreign labor, their roles and status differed markedly.


Why didn't metics enjoy full right of citizens?

To be a citizen of a Greek city-state, a person had to be accepted by his tribe as having been born in it (usually at age 18). A Metic was by definition a resident alien, and so couldn't qualify.


Did athenians pay taxes?

Yes, Athenians did pay taxes, although the system was different from modern taxation. Citizens were subject to various forms of taxation, including a wealth tax known as the "eisphora" during times of war. Additionally, there were indirect taxes on goods and services, as well as contributions for public projects and festivals. However, many taxes were often levied on non-citizens, such as metics, who had to pay taxes to live and conduct business in Athens.


Who was aloud to participate in the Athenian democracy?

In Athenian democracy, participation was limited to free male citizens of Athens who were at least 18 years old. This excluded women, slaves, and foreign residents (metics) from having any political rights. Only about 10-20% of the population in Athens were eligible to participate in the democratic process, which included voting and holding public office. This exclusivity highlights the limitations of Athenian democracy despite its historical significance.


What was the rank system of ancient Greece?

Ancient Greece was split into several cities, the main ones being Athens and Sparta. Each city had it's own government. In Athens for the first hundred years it was ruled by a king but soon the Athenians overthrew the kings and created democracy. The leading political figure was Pericles. The time during the democracy was called the golden age of Athens. Soon it's rival Sparta attacked and defeated Athens thus ending this age. the ancient Greeks truly believed in their gods. They had over 20 gods, the king of these gods being Zeus.