what were the differences in goals of athens and sparta?? also what were the differences in origin of each?

thanks!

The differences in goals between Athens and Sparta can be broadly categorized into two main aspects: their political objectives and their military ambitions.

1. Political Goals:
- Athens: Athens pursued a democratic form of government, where power was vested in the hands of the people. They aimed to establish and expand their influence over other Greek city-states, creating an Athenian-led empire called the Delian League. Athens also emphasized trade, wealth, and cultural flourishing, prioritizing intellectual pursuits, arts, philosophy, and education.
- Sparta: Sparta, in contrast, adhered to an oligarchic system, with power concentrated in the hands of a few ruling elite. Their primary objective was to maintain internal stability and ensure military prowess. Spartan society focused on maintaining a highly disciplined and militaristic state where individuality was suppressed for the collective welfare. Their main concern was the safety and survival of the city-state rather than expansion or wealth.

2. Military Goals:
- Athens: Athens possessed a powerful navy and aimed to dominate the sea trade routes and establish maritime supremacy. Their naval strength allowed them to project power and protect their extensive empire. They believed that their navy was critical in protecting their overseas colonies and maintaining open trade networks.
- Sparta: Sparta, on the other hand, boasted a formidable land army and prioritized military might above all. Their objective was to develop the strongest land-based army in Greece, focusing on discipline, physical endurance, and military training. They sought to deter potential invasions and maintain control over their land territories.

Regarding their origins, Athens and Sparta had contrasting backgrounds:
- Athens: Athens traces its origins to the Mycenaean civilization and the legendary King Theseus. It became a significant power during the Archaic period (around the 8th century BCE) by establishing a democratic government, promoting trade, and fostering cultural development.
- Sparta: Sparta originated as a Dorian settlement during the Greek Dark Ages and gradually developed into a militaristic society. Its foundation dates back to the 9th century BCE when the three tribes of the Dorian invaders united to form Sparta. The Spartan city-state was primarily shaped by the reforms of the legendary lawgiver Lycurgus.

To learn more about these differences, I encourage you to delve deeper into the history of Athens and Sparta through books, academic articles, or reliable online sources.