- The upper class in ancient Greece was very small, consisting of only around 300 families.
- To be part of the upper class, one had to be a citizen but could not have a job or engage in economic tasks like trading.
- Upper class men were expected to be free from work and have slaves manage their land and wealth so they could devote themselves to politics and governing.
- Landownership was a major factor in social status, with larger landowners having higher status than smaller landowners.
- Wealth, leisure time, and education were defining characteristics of the upper class in Greek society.