Life in Two City-States Athens & Sparta

Government Why was Athens called a democracy? Laws had to be approved by the assembly Every citizen could take part in the city’s government Every citizen was part of the Assembly, which debated and voted on all laws Why was Sparta called an oligarchy? The real power was in the hands of a few Important decisions were made by the Council of Elders Council members had to be at least 60 and wealthy The Assembly had little power

Economy Athens Sparta Traded with foreign lands and other city-states Bought and sold goods in the Agora – marketplace Used coins, which made trade easier Sparta Farmed the land Conquered other people and land to use for farming Had slaves and noncitizens produce goods Used iron bars as money

Education Athens Sparta Boys were taught at home by mother or slave until age 6 or 7 Went to school between ages 6 and 14. They learned reading, writing, arithmetic, literature, sports, and music Began military training at age 18. Sparta Boys and girls were trained to fight from age 7. Boys were taught to suffer pain without complaining.

Women and Slaves Athens (Women) Sparta (Women) Were not citizens Could not choose their husbands Didn’t go out alone Managed the household Sometimes were priestesses Could not own much property Sparta (Women) Lived same simple life as men Were expected to be strong and ready to fight Looked after their husbands’ property when husband was gone Could own and control property

Women and Slaves Athens (Slaves) Sparta (Slaves) Were either born slaves or had been captured in war Performed a variety of jobs, some of them were highly skilled Sometimes worked in silver mines Sparta (Slaves) Were treated very harshly Were killed if it was thought they might rebel Could marry freely Could buy their freedom