Eli Whitney Museum

What would a day in the life of someone living in ancient Athens look like? We will explore the city and see what makes it work. From fishmongers and storytellers to vase painters and athletes, what did people do all day 2,000 years ago?

We’ll start the day by exploring the marketplace and building pots and vases to store wares. Potters shape delicate vases adorned with intricate designs, and painters create scenes of gods, heroes, and everyday life. Next, we will recreate a temple high atop the city. Here Athenians make offerings to the gods and prayers for guidance or good fortune. The temple overlooks the city and the sea beyond. Out at sea, there are merchant ships carrying goods to trade all over the world. We will build a model trading ship and imagine what wonders lie within. Lastly, we will look to the sky and learn how ancient Athenians used the constellations for navigation, to help with agriculture and planting, and to represent celestial deities.