1. Athens and Sparta
Two cities in conflict

2. 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.”

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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.