The Greek ideals of individuality, freedom and knowledge were reflected in the life of the Greek people.
Simplicity is a term often used to describe the Greek way of life.
A large middle class did arise in some coastal city-states which relied on a thriving sea trade for a living. Commerical trade developed because of the necessity to feed an ever-increasing population. Greek merchants traded leather products and pottery for foods such as grains. Homes reflected the Greek ideal of simplicity. Greek homes were plain, stone buildings, whitewashed to a brillant white.