Athens Vs Sparta

Athens and Sparta were probably the two most

famous and powerful city states in Ancient Greece.

However, they were both very different.

Athens vs Sparta• Athens’ Government ruled as a

democracy. They were the 1st to ever do this. – Council of 500:

• Met everyday• Debated laws and business• Chosen from a drawing and served one year.-Assembly:• 6,000 had to be in attendance• Met every 10 days• Voted on laws : yes / no

Athens vs Sparta

• Sparta’s Government:– Oligarchy:

• 2 kings inherited power

• 28 council of Elders-elected

• Assembly was made up of male citizens

• Very little power was given to the assembly

Athens vs Sparta

• Athens is built below the acropolis which stands on a hill above all of Athens.

• Sparta is surrounded by mountains, which makes it difficult for it to be invaded.

ATHENS-Economy

• Traded with other civilizations or city-states– Imported:

• Italy: wood• Egypt: grain

• -Exported: honey, olive oil, silver, pottery

• Coins

Sparta- Economy

Relied on Farming

Conquered others to get other supplies they needed

Discouraged Trade:

* didn’t want new ideas to weaken gov.

* didn’t have coins- used iron bars

Athens- EducationGood citizens was most important=purpose of education!

Boys:

•Up to 6- taught at home- mother or slave tutor

•6-7 – school-reading, writing, math, literature

•18 – military school/after went to private schools to learn to debate and public speaking

ATHENS• Girls were not regarded as

important by the Athenians.• Girls could be taught at home. (if

they had rich parents)• Girls were not allowed to take part

in anything to do with war, business or education.

• Had to be escorted • Few rights• Not citizens

Athens- slaves

• Trained as:– Craftsmen– Farmers– Silver mines– Tutors in the rich homes

Sparta-Education

Boys:

Age 7 – went to military school for training for army

Healthy and strength most important.

Unhealthy babies left to die

At age 20, given a test of strength and leadership- if passed became a citizen

SPARTA- women/slaves• Girls in Sparta were to grow up to

be the mothers of warriors. • Although they were not allowed to

fight, girls took part in all the training because fit ladies produced fit babies, who would fight!

• Slaves: treated harshly• Could buy their freedom and marry

or sell land

Athens v Sparta

• Athens and Sparta had very different ways of living their lives.

• Athens wanted to control as much land as possible and this led to much war between Greek lands. Powerful navy

• Sparta, although more powerful kept itself to itself unless their army was needed. Powerful Army