Daily Life of the Ancient Greeks

Glossary of Greek Terms 317
ephebe — Athenian youth who, having reached his eighteenth year, was
undergoing a two-year stint of military training (literally “one who is at
the prime of youth”).
ephor — One of five Spartan magistrates elected annually by the citizen
body, who was charged with extensive disciplinary powers, including the
ability to prosecute the kings. Ephors (literal meaning probably “overseers”)
are found in other Greek states besides Sparta.
ethnos — Large group of people who acknowledged their common ethnic
identity and territory but who did not come together as a political
unity. Ethnê (the plural form) probably existed at all times of Greek history
but became especially important in the fourth century b.c.e. They left few
material remains and no literature, so we know very little about their daily
life.
eunomia — “Obedience to the law”; a term used primarily of Sparta to
characterize the system of military discipline that was introduced in the
first half of the seventh century b.c.e.
exômis — Poor man’s garment worn over the shoulder.
genos — Kin group composed of aristocratic families claiming descent
from a common ancestor. Members of Athenian gen ê (the plural form)
remained politically important in Athens even after it became a radical
democracy, the most notable example being Perikles, who belonged to the
venerable Alkmaeonid genos.
gerousia — Council of elders (from gerôn, meaning old man). The Spartan
gerousia consisted of 28 elders and the two kings.
gymnasium — Training establishment or school (from gymnos, meaning
naked) where Greek males of all ages exercised and conversed together.
Some gymnasia also accommodated philosophical schools.
gynaikôn (or gynaikônitis ) — Women’s quarters of a house.
hêliaia — Law court comprising Athenian jurors; also the building in
which lawsuits were held.
helot — A term of uncertain etymology used to describe the conquered
peoples of Messenia, who worked as serfs for the Spartans. Although helots
are most closely identified with Sparta, they are also known to have
existed in other parts of the Greek world.
herm — Image of the god Hermes consisting of head and genitalia, which
stood at street corners.
hetaira — Term most commonly used for a courtesan, or female companion.
Hetairai included some highly cultivated women as well as prostitutes.
himation — Woolen cloak worn by both men and women.
hippeis — Those eligible to serve in the cavalry; second-highest property
class established by the Athenian reformer Solon.