Isabel Wadeson-Lee 12Du

Identify a city state or known civilisation of the classical worldExamine, with

supporting evidence, the life of free born foreigners living in your selected city state or civilisation and
their relationship with the citizen body.
In 5th century Athens, free born foreigners, referred to as metics, (from the Greek metoikos
meaning one who dwells among) were a crucial aspect of the city states income, and played an
important role in adding to Athenian culture and society. Despite difference in status of a
metic/resident foreigner and a fully fledged Athenian citizen, and also the political and financial
restrictions; metics were an asset to the state, experienced a somewhat harmony with citizens, and
the alleged xenophobia of Athenians may well have been exaggerated.
There were extensive factors which rendered life in Athens attractive to a metic. Athens was, first
and foremost, the height of democracy and had considerable might and wealth, in the both its
military and financial sense. It boasted of rich culture and a developed society, with a vast range of
scientists, architects, politicians, philosophers, entertainers and teachers and being a citizen of this
city state was a source of great pride as citizenship was entirely out of the question for a metic
(Pericles created a law in 451BC stating that to be an Athenian citizen, one must be born to citizen
parents, in Athens), dwelling amongst them was a welcomed second best, and too, instilled pride.
Most importantly however, were Athens commercial industry and employment prospects, which
generally was the most compelling feature to Metics. It was an ideal environment for newly started
businesses to thrive in, and there were a number of various methods to generate an income for
metics. As land ownership was barred from metics due to their lack of citizenship, employment was
most commonly found in the areas of manufacturing, service, retail and trade, and a high portion of
Athenian craftsmen would have been metics. Although earning a wage was discriminated against by
the elite and aristocracy, who viewed it as a distinctive trait of the lesser classes,
legal measures were taken to prevent this and there were possibilities of becoming wealthy through
this industry Shield maker Cephalus gained a respectable reputation, and became considerably
affluent throughout his lifetime. Another job which fell exclusively to metics was prostitution, as
citizens were prohibited from this profession, stemming from the belief that if a man would sell his
body, he would no doubt sell the state. Though perhaps one of the less appealing industries, it was
required in Athens and employment was guaranteed, as was the case with the army and navy, as
additional manpower was continually in demand. So, metics could reside in Athens with the sound
knowledge that they would not be without opportunities for work and income, which is a key factor
attracting them along with the reputation and might of Athens wealth, military, society, democracy
and culture.
As metics were not in fact citizens, there were a number of restrictions placed upon them only. Mid
5th century, a decree was issued stating that all metics are required to have a citizen sponsor, and
pay tax. Athenians on the other hand were exempt from direct taxing, although had to pay service
and civic tax, and also taking liturgies was obligatory for metics and expected for citizens. As resident
foreigners, metics had absolutely no political influence whatsoever, in contrast to the ample
opportunities for Athenian citizens to be involved in the polis. They were also entirely excluded from
the jury, Boule and Ecclesia as participation was a political right reserved for Athenian citizens alone,
and were forbidden from owning land in Attica. Though metics could seek legal representation in
court from citizens, the odds were heavily against them as juries where composed of Athenian In

Isabel Wadeson-Lee 12Du

Pattersons The Hospitality of Athenian Justice: The Metic in Court she states that in court a metic
was a peculiarly isolated and thus vulnerable figure and their lack of extensive kinship structure
prevented their taking full advantage of these [legal rights]. Anti-metic rhetoric added to their
difficulties. However, metics were legally bound to serve their duties to the state in the military the
same as any Athenian citizen; this service was obligatory and they could be called upon at any time.
Aside from these restrictions and differentiations placed on metics, they enjoyed many freedoms
such as being able to return to their home city state, participate in religious festivals and
celebrations, and also attend entertainment items basically they could take pleasure in the majority
of freedoms that citizens possessed. A particularly striking example of metics enjoying freedoms is
that of Aspasia, political leader Pericles companion, whose reputation of outstanding wit,
intelligence and extensive education remains She was born in Miletus, an Ionian Greek settlement
in Turkey, and expressed an unmatched determination to be treated as an equal; this was unheard
of as she was both a woman and a metic, but she succeeded and it was said she enjoyed all the
privileges of a wealthy, high class citizen.
The motives behind these restrictions are no doubt to generate greater state income from the
additional military power and taxes, which is a colossal benefit to the city state of Athens, and there
could be a number of reasons behind the utter lack of political stead. They could stem from
Athenians wishing to preserve their pure heritage and cultural identity and maintain a city state
whose democracy belonged to itself, not to metics this could have been fuelled by an element of
xenophobia. Also political exploitation on behalf of the metics, who in the eyes of Athenians may not
have as great a regard for Athens wellbeing, would be aimed to be diverted. However xenophobic
attitudes were most likely less than reported, and the city state benefited hugely from the profit and
craftsmanship that metics brought, as well as adding greater might to its military prowess.