Classical Athens Vs Sparta

Throughout the ancient world there were two dominating empires. (S) The Athenian City (polis) and the Spartan empire. These two cities were both powerful and famous but significantly different. However, the city of Athens was by far a much more influential and powerful city-state in comparison to Sparta. Although both the city-states had their own strengths such as their government, social structure and their military tactics, Athens was a pivotal city that still to this day effects our way of life. On the other hand all of the Spartan traditions have been lost and forgotten.

During the times of Ancient Greece, two major forms of government existed, democracy and oligarchy. The city-states of Athens and Sparta are the best representatives of democracy and oligarchy, respectively. The focus of the times was directed towards military capabilities, while the Athenians were more interested in comfort and culture. It was the oligarchy in Sparta that put a war-like attitude as its first priority and best met the needs of Ancient Greece. These factors empowered Sparta and led to the development of an authoritative and potent state. Other contrasting issues included women’s rights, social classes, and value of human life.

Athens and Sparta are the two famous city-states in Ancient Greece. The Athens was more superior then Sparta. The Athenians were stronger because they had a better geography, government, cultural achievements, and I would rather live in the Athens.

Ancient Greece was comprised of small city-states, of which Sparta and Athens were two. Athens was renowned as a center of wisdom and learning. The people of Athens were interested in arts, music, and intellectual pursuits. Sparta, on the other hand, was recognized for its military strength. A Spartan's life was centered on the state, because he lived and died to serve the state. Although the competing city-states of Sparta and Athens were individually different as well as governmentally diverse, they both managed to become dominating powers in Ancient Greece.

During the late Archaic Greek and Classical periods, two particular city-states were in existence with significant similarities as well as differences. These two city-states, Sparta and Athens have unique formations of government, histories, goals, as well as societies.

In ancient Greece there were two major polises which allowed the Greek culture to achieve greatness during the 400-500 B.C.E. era. These two polises were Athens and Sparta; both city states differed in many ways before the start of the Persian War. There were low rugged mountains that separated these two city states so communication and travel were difficult. The government of these two city states can be seen as a primary difference between the two. Draco, Solon, Pisistratus, and Cleithenes were four leaders that greatly influenced the political development of Athens. Athens and Sparta differed primarily in their political, social, and economical aspects. But there were other difference that Athens and Sparta share which I will examine in this essay.

In today’s society women are able to hold any position equal to that of a man. During ancient times, women were not given such opportunity. In basically all ancient civilizations, women did not have a role in society. This is especially true in ancient Greece. History has said that Athens is the place of freedom and democracy while Sparta is a restricted society. Though this might be true, that was not the case for women. Women in Homeric Greece and Sparta actually had more respect and freedom than those in Athens.

The primary difference between the two city states was the “rule by the few” in Spartan and the rule by the people in Athens government.

Hello old friend, it has been far too long, I am glad you have reached for my help deciding between Athens and Sparta. I truly believe Athens would be a much better environment for your family to stay than Sparta. Here in Athens it is a very safe place for your children and your wife. Athens would be a better place to live for your family because of the lifestyle and values, good education system and also the steady government and political system.

The two opposite city-states Athens and Sparta had a complete different approach to many life sections as their education, training, working and even eating habits.

Athens and Sparta of ancient Greece were significant historic examples of culture and government that have many lessons for us to learn. A brief comparison of the two finds stark contrasts but also some interesting correlations to modern day political systems.

During the time of the Ancient Greeks, women were treated very differently depending on the social class that they were in. However, a major similarity across all women regardless of class is that they were treated less than men in the patriarchal society. Women of this time had no rights and were not treated as citizens. They were controlled by men for the entirety of their lives (The Ancient Greek World, Daily Life: Women's Life). The

Greece is a land that is unified by many City-States.The most popular City-States we have heard were Athens and Sparta. Sparta focused on mainly military,while Athens wanted a City that had a mix of everything.This is beneficial for Athens civilization because it can use it’s people's talent to help increase the Athens’ ability.Athens presented a better model of civilization because it encouraged all activities not only military. They had Education to make their people make smart choices. They also had a bigger population which means they have more workers and more people also means more money for Athens.

If I had to pick between living in Athens and Sparta, I would choose Athens. In Athens they had a type of government called democracy. This means all the citizens have the right to say what they think about something. Also if someone is about to make a law and you don’t like it you may be able to prevent it from being a law. In sparta life must have been hard, no visitors were accepted and for a boy after you turned 7 you were brought into the army. The training was tough, you wore light clothes and no shoes. If you did not pass the training they would leave you to die.Any baby born in sparta would be inspected by the elderly, if you were thought to be weak you would be left on the hillside to die. Even if a baby girl is very strong and healthy,

prepared for battle at all times. Athens was a cowardly, fearful civilization that went running from battle and was eventually conquered by Sparta. Although Sparta wasn’t known for it’s intellect, their warriors were wise when it came to techniques of war. Sparta was known for it’s fighting strategies and it’s ability to be resourceful in all situations and environments.