How did Sparta differ from Athens?
Responses: the government in Sparta was an oligarchy, the people of Sparta practiced different religions, the people of Sparta spoke Greek, or women in Sparta were considered citizens
One major difference between Sparta and Athens was their form of government. While Athens practiced a system of democracy, where citizens had the right to participate in decision-making processes, Sparta was an oligarchy. In Sparta, a small group of elite citizens, known as the Spartiates, held political power.
Another difference lies in their religious practices. While both cities shared a common Greek heritage and believed in the ancient Greek gods, they had different customs and rituals. Sparta focused heavily on the worship of their patron goddess, Athena, and also emphasized militaristic rituals.
Additionally, both Sparta and Athens spoke the Greek language and shared the Greek culture. However, due to their geographical distance and distinct political systems, there were variations in their dialects and societal norms.
Lastly, the status of women in Sparta was notably different from Athens. In Sparta, women enjoyed more rights and freedoms compared to their counterparts in Athens. Spartan women had the ability to own and inherit property, received physical education, and had a more prominent role in society. Meanwhile, Athenian women had limited rights and were primarily expected to manage household affairs and raise children.