Sparta – Military Society Athens – Admired the Mind Sparta and Athens Comparison Video Sparta – Military Society Athens – Admired the Mind

Spartan land and Athenian land

Sparta Sparta was an isolated city-state that was culturally and politically different from Athens. Sparta was an oligarchy, government ruled by a few. They had 2 kings. During the Peloponnesian War, Sparta attacked Athens.

Life in Sparta Spartan society was obsessed with war. Boys were sent to military school at a young age. Boys who are born deformed are left to die on mountainsides.

Athens Athenians were tough but were encouraged to engage in activities like art, philosophy, music.

Life in Athens Boys from wealthy families were taught how to read, speak and even how to think properly. Some boys were required to memorize long passages of plays or poems. Some had to commit both the Iliad and the Odyssey to memory. Very few girls received an education.

Peloponnesian War

Reasons To pay for defense every city-state was responsible for paying into the Delian League ( The money was kept on the island of Delos) Athens was the strongest member of the league and therefore began to treat the other city-states as their subjects Eventually they began to use the money for themselves. Sparta was part of the Peloponnesian League because of the peninsula Athens's growth ticked Sparta off and they declared war. The fight continued for ten years with out anyone gaining any ground (very equal fighting) In 415 BC Athens decided to attack, they were unsuccessful Sparta attacked back while Athens was down Sparta won! Internal fighting made Greece weak and open for attack.

Similarities Athens and Sparta both had an Assembly, whose members were elected by the people. While Sparta was ruled by two kings, who ruled until they died or were forced out of office, Athens was ruled by archons, who were elected annually. Athens is said to have been the birthplace of democracy because they had elected officials.

Differences Athens and Sparta were very different in their relationship with other Greek city states. Sparta was content to keep to itself and provide army and assistance when necessary. Athens, however, wanted to control more and more of the land around them. This led to war between all the Greeks known as the Peloponnesian War. After many years of hard fighting, Sparta was victorious. In true Greek spirit, Sparta allowed the culture and spirit of Athens was to live on, as long as the Athenians no longer desired to rule their fellow Greeks. As a result, the influence of Athens remained and grew stronger.

Greek Cities Athens Sparta Differences: Democratic government Emphasis on many subjects in education Known as the home of artists, writers, and philosophers Sparta Differences: Ruled by kings and officials Emphasis only on physical education Known for its powerful and disciplined army Similarities: Greek language and religion More rights for men than for women

Main Ideas of Section 2: Sparta = Military society Athens = More educational society Peloponnesian War- Sparta and other city states were intimidated by Athens’ power… declared war Equal fighting for ten years, finally Sparta wins Internal conflict causes problems and makes Greece open to outside attack