The Greek culture varies greatly from modern day American culture. They had far more hospitality than Americans do today. They were far nicer to each other.
Religion: The Greeks were a very Religious people. They worshipped many different gods and goddesses. The Greeks believed that their deities were human shaped but were endowed with many different superhuman powers. They built many sanctuaries and temples but each only had one patron god or goddess. The Greeks painted many different scenes on their pottery and walls, depicting the gods in scenes of combat.
Men, Women, and Children: The men in ancient Greece ran the government. When not in the government, the men oversaw the workers in the field. They enjoyed drinking parties, horseback riding, and famous Olympic games. While the men hosted the parties the women and daughters were not allowed to attend. The Women had little or no freedom outside the house. The exception was the women in Sparta. The women did very little work around the house because most households had slaves that did all the work. The female slaves worked the fields and did all the cooking. The male slaves watched the door while the man of the house was away, and tutored the children. The ancient Greeks considered their children to be "youths" until the age of 30! When a child was born a naked father carried the child around the house in a ritual dance. Friends and relatives sent gifts. The family decorated the house by putting a wreath on the doorway.
Clothing: Men and women both wore very simple clothing. In the summer they wore linen and in winter, wool. The Greeks could buy their clothes in the agora, or marketplace, but that was very expensive. Most families made their own clothes. Clothes were made by the mother, daughter, and female slaves. Every now and then Greeks would buy jewelry but not often. Both men and women wore perfumes made with boiling flowers and herbs. The Greeks only wore hats to travel.
Dancing and Music: The ancient Greeks loved dancing and believed it promoted not only physical health but also emotional health. Men and women rarely danced together. There were more than 200 ancient Greek dances; comic dances, warlike dances, dances for athletes and for religious worship, plus dances for weddings, funerals, and celebrations. Dances were usually accompanied by music. The main instruments were the flute, lyres, and many percussion instruments.
Story Telling: The ancient Greeks loved stories. They created many marvelous stories, myths, and fables that we still enjoy today. The Odyssey by Homer, Works and Days and Theogony by Hesiod, Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides were also major writers.