Education in Ancient Athens

Education in Ancient Athens. Left: The philosopher Plato taught his students and followers in a grove called the Academia, on Athens' outskirts. From this came our word 'academy', for a place of learning. Centre: Music and dancing were given an important place in the education of young people in ancient Athens - both boys and girls. The girl in the picture is dancing to the music of a two-pipe flute. The strap worn by the flautist controls the expansion of the cheeks, ensuring a steady flow of breath into the mouthpiece of the instrument. Top right: A writing lesson. With his pointed stylus, the pupil inscribes his letters on a wax-covered tablet. Original artwork for illustrations on pp8-9 of Look and Learn issue no 989 (21 February 1981). Lent for scanning by The Gallery of Illustration.