What's the right answer What the main difference between Athens and Sparta
Excluding women from politics
the city assembles role.
what their economy was based on
overall military strength
The main difference between Athens and Sparta can be understood by considering several factors including the role of women in politics, the nature of their city assemblies, their economic basis, and overall military strength.
1. Excluding women from politics:
In Athens, women had very limited rights and had no political rights or opportunities to participate in the political process. On the other hand, Sparta had a more unique approach. Spartan women had more freedom and were provided with education and physical training. They played a significant role in Spartan society as they were expected to raise strong and healthy children who would become soldiers.
2. The city assembly's role:
In Athens, the city assembly played a crucial role in the decision-making process. It was an open forum where citizens could propose, discuss, and vote on various matters. This democratic system allowed for a greater involvement of the citizenry. In contrast, Sparta had a somewhat different political system. They had a mixed government structure, with a dual monarchy (two kings) and a council of elders called the Gerousia.
3. Economic basis:
Athens had a diverse and thriving economy based on trade and commerce. They had a strong navy and relied on their control over trade routes. In contrast, Sparta had a more centralized and self-sufficient economy based primarily on agriculture. They focused on producing enough food to sustain their population and prioritized military training over economic prosperity.
4. Overall military strength:
Both Athens and Sparta had strong military forces, but their approach and focus were different. Athens had a powerful navy, which allowed them to project their power beyond their borders and establish trade networks. Meanwhile, Sparta was known for its formidable land-based army. Spartan society revolved heavily around military training and discipline, prioritizing a warrior mindset and preparing citizens from a young age for warfare.
To summarize, the main differences between Athens and Sparta can be seen in the treatment of women in politics, the role of the city assembly, their economic basis, and their military strengths. By considering these factors, we can gain a better understanding of the contrasting characteristics of these two ancient Greek city-states.