The role of men in ancient Greece was one of power, prestige, and honor. Ancient Greek Men had the dominant role in public life in ancient Greece. They were engaged in politics and public events.

They ran the government and spent a great deal of their time away from home. Societal status was based on the quality of one’s characters knowledge, strength and integrity rather than on one’s wealth, political position or ancestry.

Ancient Greek Men

The man was in charge of the family and the house. Most men worked during the day as businessmen or farmers. When they were at home, they were treated with great respect. Even during dinner, the men laid on couches and were fed and entertained by the slaves while the women and children ate in another room.

When not involved in politics, the men spent time in the fields, overseeing or working the crops, sailing, hunting, in manufacturing or in trade.In addition to drinking parties, the men enjoyed wrestling, horseback riding, and the famous Olympic Games. The Olympic Games were for males only.

Ancient Greece Men had short hair and wore a beard. Barbershops first became popular in ancient Greece. They were an important part of the social life of many ancient Greek males. In the barber shop, the men exchanged political and sports news, philosophy, and gossip.

They wore a chiton similar to the one worn by women, but knee-length or shorter. An exonic (a short chiton fastened on the left shoulder) was worn for exercise, horse riding, or hard labor.

The Greeks men were radically different from the women. Men, in the Greek view, were rational, thinking, stable, normal creatures, while women were irrational, hysterical, and dangerous.

Last, and most important of all, passion and erotic love between two adult men were generally considered unusual and held up to ridicule. Homosexual love in Greece was love between a man and a boy. Relationships with overly young boys frowned upon them as they are now.