Athens vs Sparta

Styles of Government Totalitarian – a government that uses force and power to rule a people Democratic - a system in which all the people of a state are involved in making decisions about its affairs, usually by voting to elect representatives to a parliament or similar assembly

SPARTA 3 groups of people 1. slaves (known as Helots) provided the necessary food and labor for Spartan males and females - largest population in Sparta Farmed the land owned by the citizens but allowed to keep half of the crops 2. Spartan women - were taught to be fit, brave, and patriotic ◦women in Sparta had much more independence than women in other city- states

con’t 3. Spartan men - all became warriors. Newborn males judged to be weak were left to die of exposure.  Age of seven, boys left home to live in barracks and receive military training from older boys. Boys went barefoot, wore minimal clothing (even in winter), practiced all forms of athletics, and received military instruction.  They married at age 20 but continued to live in the barracks.  age 30, they became full citizens of Sparta, provided they had served honorably.  Retired at age 60

ATHENS All citizens participated in Athenian governmental activities and were equal before the law and participated in the government. All adult free males could assemble, speak, listen to speeches, and then make decisions for the city. Slaves and women, however, were not allowed citizenship. Athenians eventually abolished slavery and developed a direct democracy where citizens chose the members of the powerful Assembly. Athenian youth were encouraged to develop artistic and intellectual talents. Boys were tutored at home until the age of six or seven, and then they were sent to neighborhood schools for primary education until they were 14 years of age. Homer's Illiad and Odyssey, were mandatory teaching in all Athenian elementary schools. Girls could be taught at home. (if they had rich parents)

con’t Athenian soldiers were required to serve two years in the military. After the first year, they were given a sword and a shield with the state's emblem on it. Although they served only two years, they could be called at any moment up to age sixty. The army consisted of horsemen and hoplites (foot soldiers.) They were armed with swords, shields, and extremely long lances.

References sparta.cfmhttps:// sparta.cfm