Athens and Sparta Two cities in conflict

I. A Spartan Life Spartan boys were raised to endure pain and learn to survive with very little food Life was harsh and cruel The Spartans were tough, silent and grim Because of many wars, Sparta turned into an awesome war machine Sparta’s motto was “Always put your city’s needs above your own.”

II. Growing Up in Sparta Only the healthiest children were raised At age 7, boys left their mothers to live in barracks with other boys to train as soldiers Training lasted for 13 years

III. Girls in Sparta Girls also trained and competed in wrestling and spear throwing Strong girls would produce strong children it was believed Women were allowed to own land and take part in business

IV. The Persians Invade By 520 B.C. the Persians controlled the Greek colonies on the west coast of Asia Minor In 490 B.C. thousands of Persians gathered at Marathon to face a small Athenian army For several days both armies stared intensely at each other Athenians rushed without warning and defeated the Persians killing 6,400 and losing only 192 of their own soldiers

V. The Athenian Empire After the Persians were defeated, Athens influence spread over much of Greece Many city-states allied themselves with Athens These city-states gave their allegiance to Athens

VI. Sparta and Athens at War Over time, city-states grew angry at Athens Many paid tribute, money, for protection, but Athens spent it on the Parthenon and other buildings Athens and Sparta went to war in 431 B.C. The war lasted for 27 years, called the Peloponnesian War

VII. The Fall of Athens Early in the war, Athens was struck by a plague Over one third of the population died Sparta staged a blockade surrounding the harbor and Athens could not receive food shipments Athens surrendered in 404 B.C.