Who was the pedagogue in Greek society?

There wasn't a single, specific figure in Greek society who could be called "the pedagogue." The term "paidagogos" (παιδαγωγός) in ancient Greece referred to a slave who was responsible for the physical care and education of a young boy.

Here's what a paidagogos typically did:

* Physical Care: They accompanied the boy to school, ensured he was fed and clothed, and looked after his general well-being.

* Moral Instruction: They instilled discipline and good manners in the boy, emphasizing values like respect, obedience, and self-control.

* Basic Education: They might teach the boy basic literacy and numeracy, but their primary focus was on character development.

* Supervision: They were responsible for the boy's safety and behavior, ensuring he didn't engage in inappropriate activities or get into trouble.

Important to note:

* Not a Teacher: While they were involved in education, they weren't the primary instructors. That role belonged to teachers (didaskalos) or tutors (paidotribos) who specialized in specific subjects.

* Not a Unique Role: The paidagogos was a common figure in wealthy Greek households, particularly in Athens.

* Status: The paidagogos was a slave, and their role was considered a lower status job.

Therefore, there isn't a single person to point to as "the pedagogue," but rather a role that was filled by many individuals throughout ancient Greek society.