Homestead

Most Greeks lived off the land, even in the 'city-states'. They lived and worked in largely self-sufficient homesteads growing barley, olives and figs, and herding sheep and goats. Life for a Greek farmer was harsh: good agricultural land was scarce, and rich landlords bought the best plots. The climate did not help much either: regular and rigorous ploughing was the only method of retaining the soil’s moisture following autumn's rains. This life bred hardy individuals, and freemen were often the best fighters in hoplite armies. Not only were they strong physical specimens, but they were well-motivated to defend their farmlands!