Rival City-States: Sparta vs. Athens

However, they were both very different. Athens and Sparta were probably the two most famous and powerful city states in Ancient Greece. However, they were both very different.

Sparta “Come back with your shield or on it”

Development Located on the Peloponnesus Peninsula Conquered neighboring region & took over land Created militaristic society

Spartan Society 3 social groups Citizens: descended from the invaders, controlled Sparta (only 5%) Perioci: free men, paid taxes & served in the army but had no political power Helots: slaves, greatly outnumbered the other groups; Spartans used force to control them

Government Founded on the principle that the life of EVERY INDIVIDUAL belonged to the state

Government Militaristic Oligarchy Two kings led Sparta 1 king handled military 1 king took care of domestic matters

Government Council of Elders 28 male citizens over the age of 60 Proposed laws & served as a criminal court Assembly Included all male citizens over age of 30; voted on laws

Military Society Life revolved around army (no need for walls! Army will defend!) All men aspired to become soldiers Newborn infants were examined Healthy = lived Sickly = left to die on hillside

Education/Training Primary purpose was to produce soldiers! Military training began at age 7 for boys Became soldiers at age 20 Served until age 60

Education/Training Trained to read, write & use weapons Taught to steal, but not get caught Harsh training: no shoes, sometimes no clothing

Spartan Women Life’s ambition was to be a soldier’s mother Women were expected to be healthy & strong so that they could bear strong children Trained in gymnastics, wrestling & boxing

Spartan Women Although they were respected in Spartan society, women COULD NOT participate in government

Impact of Military Society Exceptional athletes, competed well in the Olympics, & defended Greece against invaders BUT…

Impact of Military Society …discouraged trade & shunned philosophy, science, literature, & the arts No individual freedom Little economic growth

Athens

Development Located on the Attica Peninsula (north of Sparta) Descended from the Mycenaeans

Social Class Citizens: All free men born in Athens (50%) Metics: Born outside Athens No land, but paid taxes Slaves: Captured in war, considered property

Government

Government Assembly: Passed laws & decided public issues ALL free men over the age of 18 could participate It was considered their public duty

Government Council of 500 Drafted & proposed laws Oversaw meetings of the assembly Members chosen by lottery once a year

Government Ostracism: If a politician’s name appeared on 6,000 ostraca they would be EXILED!!!

Education/Training Only boys were given an education Entered school at 7; graduated at 18 Studied arithmetic, drawing, music, gymnastics, rhetoric, literature (Iliad & Odyssey), etc. Boys would train for future jobs after school They entered the military after graduation & then went onto careers such as businessmen or Olympic athletes

Education/Training At age 18 men served in the military for 2 years Ephebic Oath: Pledge of loyalty to Athens & to good citizenship

Athenian Women No formal education; learned household duties from mother Married between 13-15 Primary purpose was to have children

Athenian Women Wore clothes to depict their status in society No legal rights Could not participate in government, or go to the market or the Olympics Wore clothes to depict their status in society Most important job for all women is having children Wealthy women would manage house & slaves Peasant women would manage house & work in field Women not allowed to go to market or Olympics

Athenian Legacy Democracy, philosophy, architecture, drama, art… Wore clothes to depict their status in society Most important job for all women is having children Wealthy women would manage house & slaves Peasant women would manage house & work in field Women not allowed to go to market or Olympics