<P> Formal Greek education was primarily for males and non-slaves . In some poleis, laws were passed to prohibit the education of slaves . The Spartans also taught music and dance, but with the purpose of enhancing their maneuverability as soldiers . </P> <P> Old Education in classical Athens consisted of two major parts - intellectual and physical, or what was known to Athenians as "gumnastike" and "mousike ." Gumanstike was a physical education that mirrored the ideals of the military - strength, stamina, and preparation for war . Having a physically fit body was extremely important to the Athenians . Boys would begin physical education either during or just after beginning their elementary education . Initially, they would learn from a private teacher known as a paidotribe . Eventually, the boys would begin training at the gymnasium . Physical training was seen as necessary for improving one's appearance, preparation for war, and good health at an old age . On the other hand, mousike was a combination of modern - day music, dance, lyrics, and poetry . Mousike provided students with examples of beauty and nobility, as well as an appreciation of harmony and rhythm . Students would write using a stylus, with which they would etch onto a wax - covered board . When children were ready to begin reading whole works, they would often be given poetry to memorize and recite . Mythopoeic legends such as Hesiod and Homer were also highly regarded by Athenians, and their works were often incorporated into lesson plans . Old Education lacked heavy structure and only featured schooling up to the elementary level . Once a child reached adolescence his formal education ended . Therefore, a large part of this education was informal and relied on simple human experience . </P> <P> It was not until about 420 BCE that Higher Education became prominent in Athens . The introduction of philosophers such as Socrates (c. 470--399 BCE), as well as the sophistic movement, which led to an influx of foreign teachers, created a shift from Old Education to a new Higher Education in classical Athens . This Higher Education expanded formal education in classical Athens, and Athenian society began to hold intellectual capacity with higher regard than physical . This shift caused controversy between individuals with traditional and modern views of education . Those of a traditional lens believed that raising "intellectuals" would destroy Athenian culture and leave Athens at a disadvantage in war . On the other hand, those in support of the change felt that while physical strength was important, its value in relation to Athenian power would diminish over time . These individuals believed that education should be a tool to develop the whole man, including his intellectual mind . Higher Education prevailed and an introduction of secondary and post-secondary levels of education provided greater structure and depth to the already existing Old Education (the elementary gumnastike and mousike education) framework . More focused fields of study included mathematics, astronomy, harmonics, and dialect - all with an emphasis on the development of a student's philosophical insight . It was necessary that individuals possessed the ability to take knowledge in a field and apply it towards an understanding based on logic and reason . </P> <P> Wealth played an integral role in classical Athenian Higher Education . In fact, the amount of Higher Education an individual received often depended on the ability and desire for a family to pay for such an education . The formal programs within Higher Education were often taught by sophists who charged for their teaching . In fact, sophists would introduce their educational programs through the use of advertisements in the attempt to reach as many customers as possible . Thus, in most circumstances, only those who could afford the price could participate . Therefore, individuals within the peasant class (who lacked any capital) were financially limited in the education they could receive . Women and slaves were also barred from receiving such an education . Societal expectations isolated women to the home, while a societal belief in their intellectual ability resulted in women having little to no access to a formal education . Slaves were also prevented access to education due to their status as slaves . In fact, they were legally barred from receiving an education in Athens . After becoming part of the Roman Empire, educated Greeks were often used as slaves by affluent Romans . These slaves were the primary way in which affluent Romans were educated, and this education led to a continuance of Greek culture in Ancient Rome . </P>

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