Sparta vs Athens

Geography of Greece Climate affected by the Mediterranean Mountainous Many islands Geography of Greece

Discuss with your table groups what you observe in this geographical map of Greece How might geography have affected ancient Greek development?

Similarities between Athens and Sparta

The City-State Polis (Poleis) Acropolis City-State boundaries The Agora was an open area for assemblies (voting) and shopping

The City-State Men and women were considered citizens Citizens served the state; extremely patriotic

Political Democratic elements (Athens especially) Assemblies of citizens would vote on proposals Only men allowed to vote Political

Writing and Art

Religion Polytheistic Gods represented nature and ideas (life & death) Cults extremely common Cult = small religious group

Differences

Sparta Simple, brutal military life Isolationist (kept out of other Greek’s affairs) Government was an Oligarchy Two kings and council of elders

Agoge – Spartan Education Infant males examined at birth If healthy, allowed to live If unhealthy, left to die/survive Enrolled in agoge at 7 y.o. Lived in groups under experienced male Pledged loyalty to groups Given first item of clothing at 12 y.o. Paired with an older male Spartan at 12 y.o. Made own beds by hand with reeds Intentionally under-fed Made members of Spartan army reserves at 18 y.o. Some joined Crypteia (secret police) to spy on helots Full-fledged members of Spartan army at 20 y.o. Were voted into one of the army companies at 20 y.o. Failure to be unanimously voted into a company = no citizenship Made full citizens at 30 y.o.; allowed to marry and vote

Sparta Used slaves to avoid farming and trade Women far more independent than other city-states

Athens Government was a Democracy More opportunities for citizens Fostered creativity and science Wanted to control and guide other Greek city-states

Athens Arts (like theater) were highly prized Family important (produced new citizens) Women excluded from public life; required male attendant