A unique class of residents in ancient Greek city-states has been overlooked by history even though it was vitally significant in the social and economic structure of ancient Greek society. The metic class was particularly important in one of ancient Greece’s most prominent city-states, Athens.
Metics were also known as aliens. This often insulting term was used for individuals who were neither slaves nor citizens. In fact, these people had a distinctive position that came with both privileges and significant restrictions.
What was the class of the metics which was overlooked?
The term “metic” comes from the Greek word “metoikos.” Metoikos is an ancient Greek word still used by Greeks, and it means “one who lives with.” The term referred to non-citizen residents. This particular category of people had settled permanently in a city-state like Athens. However, they were not equal to the citizens of the city.
Among the metics were migrants from other parts of Greece, slaves who had been freed, and their descendants. Despite (often) living in Athens for a number of generations and even hundreds of years, metics retained the citizenship of their city of origin while rarely acquiring citizenship in their adopted city. This was true although it was nearly impossible to physically differentiate between Athenian citizens and residents.
Legal status and rights of ancient Greek metics
The group of metics in Athens was recognized as a distinct legal category of its own. This bore some positive but also negative elements. They were placed between the citizens of the city who enjoyed a series of rights and visiting foreigners. It’s worth mentioning that they were not slaves but rather free individuals who were able to enjoy many freedoms.
However, they were subject to several legal restrictions compared to the citizens of the state. For example, metics could not own land or houses unless granted special permission (known as engktesis) by the state. Additionally, they were barred from participating in the overall political life of the city and had no say in the developments of the city affairs. This included freedoms such as voting and holding public office.
The metics were also required to pay a monthly poll tax known as the “metoikion” and had to have a sponsor who would have to be a citizen. These sponsors were called “prostates” (guardians) and represented metics in legal matters. In a sense, the metics were similar to what migrants are today in many countries, with distinct differences of course to today’s legal status of migrants.
Social and economic roles of the overlooked metics
Despite severe restrictions, metics were actually integral to the Athenian economy. They were very often involved in fields such as trade, industry, and skilled labor. Thus, they contributed significantly to the city’s prosperity, as they were a very productive part of it. Notable metics who were not Athenian citizens included the philosopher Aristotle and the banker Pasion.
These individuals achieved considerable wealth and influence within Athens despite the fact that they were not citizens of Athens. While some metics did become wealthy and prominent members of society, many others worked in less prestigious jobs. They were artisans, merchants, and general and unskilled laborers.
In terms of social status, metics could integrate into Athenian life but this had to be done by the book. They participated, for instance, in religious festivals, symposia, and other cultural activities. Quite often, they even formed close relationships with citizens. Nonetheless, their default lower social status and the complete lack of political rights meant they were always seen as outsiders and never as equals to the citizens of the city.
Military and civic duties for the overlooked ancient Greek class
Metics were also expected to contribute to the overall defense of the city as well as in public works. Despite the fact that they were not classed as equal citizens, they did serve in the military, often as hoplites (infantry soldiers).
Furthermore, metics were required to pay special taxes during times of war known as eisphora. More specifically, wealthy metics were often also called upon to fund major public projects, such as the construction of warships that would help the city in times of need.
Pathways to citizenship of ancient Greeks
While rather rare, some metics could eventually be granted citizenship as compensation for particularly exceptional service to the city. This was a truly significant honor, as it offered the individual full legal and political rights. Nonetheless, most metics lived their entire lives without ever achieving this honorary status.
As might be understood, the metic class in ancient Greek city-states, particularly in Athens, played a fundamental role in the economic and social life of the city. However, despite these significant contributions, they were blatantly denied full rights and privileges of citizenship in their city of residence. This showed the contradictory nature of ancient Greek society, which placed particular emphasis on origin.
