Physical Arts

Gymnasia

Education in the Physical and Health Arts

Topic Description and Links

Ancient Greeks taught warrior physical strength. Greek educators required three years of courses in gymnasia. This instruction prepared young Greek males for war. However, an added component to their understanding was Greek society’s effort to balance warrior strength and the mind. Myths were used in ancient Greek education as a way to communicate to young children the importance of addressing this balance of strength and mental abilities.

For example, the story of Odysseus was used to inspire young students in achieving physical and intellectual prowess.

Greek educators engaged their students through stories of physical prowess. This taught students how to use their physical abilities and have strong bodies to carry out mental tasks. But they also taught children how to use their intellectual and physical prowess in a way that was not cruel or selfish. An example of this type of learning is understanding the myth of Hercules. By choosing justice and realizing obstacles would not be easy to overcome, Hercules chose a road that would help others.

The Greek myths also provided a pedagogical model for mentoring and training students in the physical arts.

The ancient Greeks also glorified their leaders as warriors and presented them as a model for the young males to emulate. For example, Alexander the Great was a model of a great strategist and warrior.

Alexander was the leader of a great army. He courageously protected Athens, Thebes and Macedonia. He drove barbarians away gently and prevented many revolts. Athens questioned Alexander's techniques and heard then heard rumors that he was dead. However, Alexander's general, Perdiccas, learned from him (through cognitive apprenticeship) and attacked Thebes before Alexander was able to give him a signal. Alexander's complete force conquered and burned Thebes while declaring this an example to the rest of Greece. Athens then reinforced their confidence in Alexander. In an attempt to seal confidence with Athens, Alexander visited the Oracle of Delphi. The priestess told Alexander, "My son, you are invincible!" In a way, his prowess became mythical.

Consider how Alexander's physical abilities and achievements might have contributed to his intellectual prowess and leadership.

Generative Questions and Hints

To help you reason through this case, answer these questions and record your responses to recall during the corresponding lesson activities in Greece and for the reports that you will make on what you have learned.

	Greek educators stressed balance of mind and body as a means to a long healthy life. Why do you think this was this so important in Greek culture? Is it as important today? Why?
	Whether in myths or in the lives of their great leaders, how did these cases stimulate reasoning in young students to develop both warrior fitness and mental attitude? What similar models of heros and exist today? How do we emulate them?
	When did your physical strength help you learn? Did you sit, stand, walk, or use your fingers and type?

Lesson Activity

As you trek through the hills and ancient ruins of Greece, consider how your body and your physical strength and health is linked to your ability to perform mental tasks, especially under conditions that demand physical strength.

Gather data from your activity and record notes on your reasoning of this case for later analysis and reporting (and publishing on the QFK Web).

Return to Lesson Unit Page