During the Classical era of Ancient Greece from around 500 BCE to 320 BCE, Greek society experienced significant growth in culture while also facing conflicts and wars. Life for most Greeks centered around the polis, or city-state, with distinct social classes. Women in wealthy families lived relatively sheltered lives focused on household duties, while poorer women worked alongside men in fields from morning until night. Architecture and clothing were rather simple and basic for both the wealthy and poor, with homes made of mud bricks and plaster and simple wool or linen garments worn by most.