Question

classical greece
you will not be able to sleep in a bed, for no more
beds will ever be manufactured; nor on carpets, for
who would weave them, if he had gold? when you
bring a young bride to your dwelling, you will have
no scents to perfume her, nor rich embroidered
cloaks dyed with dazzling colors in which to clothe
her. and yet what is the use of being rich, if you are
to be deprived of all these enjoyments? on the other
hand, you have all that you need in abundance,
thanks to me; to the artisan i am like a severe
mistress, who forces him by need and poverty to
seek the means of earning his livelihood.”

from: aristophanes, plutus, written in athens in 380
bce.

a historian studying ancient athens could best use the
contents of this passage as evidence for which of the
following?

choose 1 answer:

a a lack of social hierarchies

b the existence of specialized labor

c codification of religious beliefs

d efforts to address social inequality

Explanation:

• Option A: The passage doesn't discuss social hierarchies, so A is incorrect.
• Option B: The text mentions artisans (who are specialized labor) being forced by need to seek livelihood, showing specialized labor existed.
• Option C: There's no mention of religious belief codification, so C is out.
• Option D: The passage isn't about addressing social inequality, so D is incorrect.

Answer:

B. The existence of specialized labor