Music teachers earned more than other educators in the ancient Greek city of Teos (Greek: Τέως), in present-day Turkey, some 2,200 years ago, according to inscriptions shedding light on how education was organized and valued in the city.
The records show that a music teacher received 700 drachmas a year, compared with 500 to 600 drachmas for teachers of reading, writing, and literature. Students also took formal examinations, while both boys and girls had access to education.
The inscriptions provide a rare account of schooling during the Hellenistic period. Meanwhile, excavations in 2026 uncovered 13 additional inscriptions that shed light on the city’s political history.
Ancient Greek education funded by a wealthy citizen
The education system received support from Polythros, a wealthy citizen who donated 34,000 drachmas to establish a foundation for schooling. The fund helped educate freeborn boys and girls. Students studied reading, writing, grammar, literature, and music. Their education also included physical training and military exercises, reflecting the importance of both intellectual and physical education in the ancient Greek world.
Music teachers earned more than other educators in ancient Greece 2,200 years ago!
Inscriptions from Teos reveal teacher salaries, schooling for boys and girls, and formal exams. Meanwhile, 13 newly discovered inscriptions shed light on the city's political history. pic.twitter.com/Rfgwf6lweY
— Tom Marvolo Riddle (@tom_riddle2025) October 28, 2026
Teachers helped decide which subjects students would study. According to excavation director Musa Kadıoğlu, a professor at Ankara University, an administrator over 40 could settle disagreements among instructors.
Music teachers received the highest salaries
The ancient salary records show that a music instructor earned 700 drachmas annually. Three teachers responsible for academic subjects received between 500 and 600 drachmas, while two athletic instructors each earned 500 drachmas. Kadıoğlu said the highest-paid instructor taught stringed instruments. However, the inscriptions do not explain why music instruction commanded a higher salary.
Music played a central role in ancient Greek education, with students learning instruments alongside reading and writing. Students also faced examinations. The city held academic and music assessments in the bouleuterion, where its council met. Researchers believe physical and military examinations took place in a nearby gymnasium.
New inscriptions reveal Teos’ political history
Archaeologists discovered 13 inscriptions during excavations near the Temple of Roma and Augustus in 2026. The texts appeared on monument bases and architectural blocks reused in a stone-paved square. One inscription mentions Parmenion, a leading general under Alexander the Great. Others record decisions involving judges from Miletus, Smyrna and Mytilene who helped settle legal disputes in Teos.
Excavators have also restored much of the city’s bouleuterion, an ancient council building whose inscriptions have revealed details about Teos’ history. The structure seated approximately 800 people and now hosts cultural activities again. Located near modern-day Seferihisar in western Turkey, Teos was one of the 12 Ionian cities. Its two harbors supported trade, while its artistic heritage included the lyric poet Anacreon and performers associated with Greek god Dionysus.
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