1. Similarities and differences
Athens vs Sparta
Similarities and differences
Video

2. SPARTA
Founded in 950 B.C.E.
Organized as a military camp. Ruled by military generals.
Heavily outnumbered by slaves so they decided to rule by fear.
Slaves did all the heavy work so the men could focus on training for war.
300

3. Sparta Cont.
Men could marry at 20 but could only live with their families at 30, when they left the barracks.
Ordinary citizens had no power.
Education started at age 7 in military training until the age of 30. Reading and writing was only taught a little bit.
Girls focused on staying healthy and strong.
Spartan Life

4. Athens
In Athens, things were running differently. A rich politician named Solon made laws to make it more equal to everyone. A politician named Cleisthenes ended tyranny and introduced democracy using Solon’s laws. This gave “power to the people”.

5. Athens Cont.
People in Greece had always thought that everything happened as a result of what the Gods wanted.
In Asia minor, they started looking at logic and reasoning to explain things.
When this spread to Athens, the philosophers had a huge influence on the citizens and encouraged many to participate in politics.
Horrible Histories

6. Athens Cont.
Athens had a democratic system of government where all citizens (ecclesia) would meet together to make decisions.
The boule ( a smaller group) met daily to decide business matters.
A jury was made up of people to decide if a person was guilty or innocent of a crime.

7. Athens Cont. Athenians were taught to express their thoughts freely.
Men took care of public affairs and women took care of the kids and homes.
Athens was known for its strong army but believed in spending time doing other things besides training.
Boys attended school to learn to read, write, do math and learn the arts. Girls stayed home to help prepare meals and run the house.