how are athens and sparta similar and different?
Check these sites.
http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/articles/worldhistory/athenssparta.htm
http://www.hyperhistory.net/apwh/essays/comp/cw4athensspartap2dz.htm
http://www.pbs.org/empires/thegreeks/educational/lesson1.html
Athens and Sparta were both city-states in ancient Greece, but they had distinct political, social, and cultural systems. To understand their similarities and differences, you can look at various aspects:
1. Government:
a. Athens: Athens had a democratic form of government, where citizens participated in decision-making and could vote on laws.
b. Sparta: Sparta had a militaristic oligarchy, controlled by a small group of powerful individuals.
2. Education:
a. Athens: Education focused on the liberal arts, such as philosophy, literature, and music. Athenians valued intellectual and artistic pursuits.
b. Sparta: Education emphasized military training and physical fitness. Spartans aimed to produce strong warriors disciplined in the art of war.
3. Society:
a. Athens: Social hierarchy existed, but citizens had individual freedoms and equality under the law.
b. Sparta: Society was highly hierarchical, with a strict social structure. Spartiates (Spartan citizens) were the ruling class, while Helots were unfree laborers.
4. Military:
a. Athens: Athens had a navy that played a crucial role in their defense and expansion.
b. Sparta: Sparta possessed a renowned land army, emphasizing discipline, physical strength, and military prowess.
5. Women's role:
a. Athens: Women had limited rights, were excluded from political participation, and primarily managed household affairs.
b. Sparta: Spartan women enjoyed more freedom, received physical education, and participated in public events. They could own property and have an active role in society.
To summarize, Athens had a democratic government, valued intellectual pursuits, had a navy, and afforded more individual freedoms. In contrast, Sparta had an oligarchic government, emphasized military training, had a renowned land army, and had a highly hierarchical society.