In the early period, at least, discipline must have severe. If we are allowed to form an opinion based on the old Testament, then we must conclude that the rod took a prominent part in every child's education, and from the authorities given us it is pretty certain that the ancient Jewish parent did not spare the rod whether he spoiled the child or not.

In the early epoch, girls received but little training, only such as was necessary to the carrying on of the domestic duties. At no time did girls receive such training as the boys, but in the second epoch they were taught to read and to write with dancing and music and domestic arts. Yet it would seem that there were some women who showed training beyond the simple subjects and who were able to take a place alongside the educated men of their times.

Jewish education was unsystematic, narrow, and selfish, art and science was scarcely known, and the literature was limited to the ideas connected with their God. Yet there was produced a beautiful family life, a thoughtful and kind treatment of children, a higher position for women than with any other oriental nation, a great reverence for parents, and a true idea of their relation to the Supreme Being.

LITERATURE

  1. Cornill, Carl Heinrich, The culture of ancient Israel.
  2. Dean, Amos, The history of civilization.
  3. Edersheim, Alfred, History of the Jewish nation.
  4. Edersheim, Alfred, Sketches of Jewish social life in the days of Christ.
  5. Ellis, G. Harold, The origin and development of Jewish education. Pedagogical seminary, IX (1902), 50-62.
  6. Graves, Frank Pierrepont, A history of education, Before the middle ages.
  7. Laurie, S. S., Historical survey of pre-Christian education.
  8. Lees, G. Robinson, Village life in Palestine.
  9. Letourneau, Ch., The evolution of marriage.
  10. Lewis, Henry King, The child, its spiritual nature.
  11. McClintock, John, and Strong, James, Cyclopædia of biblical, theological, and ecclesiastical literature.
  12. Milman, Henry Hart, The history of the Jews from the earliest period down to modern times.
  13. Thwing, C. F., The family.

CHAPTER IX
THE CHILD IN GREECE

Physical Characteristics.

The People.

The Athenian and the Spartan were almost the opposite in character. The Athenians were refined, patriotic and brave, but at the same time fickle and changing. The Spartans were as patriotic and brave, or even braver, than the Athenians, but they were fixed and knew no change. The Athenians cultivated letters and the finer arts, while the Spartans practiced rigid, practical utilitarianism. The Athenians engaged in employments and amusements, but the Spartans did but little work, had few amusements, and spent their time mostly in military training. The Spartans were cruel in disposition, as was shown in their bearing toward the helots or slaves, as they greatly oppressed them and often put them to death; while the Athenians treated their slaves kindly.

The Home.