The ancient Athenian was no sluggard. At sunrise, or even
before, he rose from his couch, washed his face and hands, put on his scanty
garments, and was soon ready for the street. Before leaving the house, he broke
his fast with a meal as simple as the European "rolls and coffee"—in
this case merely a few mouthfuls of bread dipped in wine. After breakfast he
might call on his friends or perhaps ride into the country and visit his
estates. About ten o'clock (which the Athenians called "full
market"), he would be pretty sure to find his way to the Agora. The shops
at this time were crowded with purchasers, and every sociable citizen of Athens
was to be found in them or in the neighboring colonnades which lined the market
place.
OCCUPATIONS IN THE AFTERNOON
The public resorts were deserted at noon, when the
Athenian returned home to enjoy a light meal and a rest during the heat. As the
day grew cooler, men again went out and visited a gymnasium, such as the Lyceum
or the Academy, in the city suburbs. Here were grounds for running,
wrestling, discus-throwing, and other sports, as well as rooms for bathing and
anointing. While the younger men busied themselves in such active exercises,
those of maturer years might be content with less vigorous games or with
conversation on political or philosophical themes.
