Literacy in the Athenian Democracy

How many Athenians in the fifth and fourth centuries B. C. could read and write ? The author discusses in detail the evidence of ostracism, the law-courts, the secretaries, inscriptions and public notices, drama, vase-painting, trade and business, private life, and individuals (§§ 3-11). Much of this evidence is inconclusive, but although many inhabitants of the country districts of Attica, and many Athenian women, were illiterate or semi-literate (§§ 12-13), it may safely be deduced that the majority of Athenian citizens could read and write. The evidence on which the author would lay the greatest stress is briefly recapitulated in § 15. In particular, the thesis of Hasebroek that Greek traders were illiterate is rejected (§ 9). By contrast, the Spartans lacked the facility in reading and writing which the Athenians possessed (§ 14). The methods by which these skills were taught at Athens are also considered (§ 16) ; and a final note discusses the evidence for libraries and the book-trade.Harvey F. D. Literacy in the Athenian Democracy. In: Revue des Études Grecques, tome 79, fascicule 376-378, Juillet-décembre 1966. pp. 585-635