ATHENS AND SPARTA

Athens Great location by the water, but not enough land. Economy based on TRADE AGORA = marketplace

Athenian Government Citizens – Free men over 18 who were born in Athens. Assembly – All citizens would meet and discuss possible laws. All citizens would vote yes or no on proposed laws. Council of 500 – 500 citizens age 30 or older chosen by lottery met daily to propose laws and run daily business of government.

Athenian Education Purpose was to create good citizens to be part of the democracy Intelligent mind AND healthy body valued Learned many subjects including academic, physical and the arts. At age 18 boys joined the military. Girls just learned from their moms how to run a household.

Athenian Women Couldn’t inherit or own property Most ran the house and raised kids. Couldn’t leave their homes without a male relative, and only did so on rare occasions (like funerals).

Athenian Slaves Either born into slavery or captured in war. Many were highly skilled and worked as artisans and teachers. Others had hard labor.

Sparta Geographically isolated, with mountains on three sides. Harbor was far from the city. As a result, very little trade.

Spartan Government Oligarchy – the Council of Elders ran the polis. Council of Elders was two kings and 28 elected council members. Council members had to be at least 60 years old, from a noble family, and served for life. Citizens were part of an assembly, but they could not discuss issues, only voting yes or no. Council could reject any law they didn’t want even if assembly voted yes.

Spartan Economy Men all served in army until age 60, so who is going to grow the food? HELOTS – they lived in their own villages and lived basically independently, but had to give much of their food to the Spartans. Heavy iron bars used for money meant people didn’t use much money.

Spartan Education Sick babies left to die – they can’t help protect Sparta! Discipline and strength highly valued. At age 7 boys taken from families and trained to endure pain and become warriors. At age 20 boys took a test to become soldiers/citizens, and continued to live in barracks (dorms) until age 30. Retired at age 60.

Spartan Women Wore plain clothes, no jewelry or makeup. Expected to be strong, healthy and ready to fight. Looked after husband’s property and guarded against invaders. Unlike in Athens, Spartan women could speak to men, own and control property, and remarry if hubby was away too long.

Helots Conquered people forced to provide food to Sparta Lived on their own, chose who and when to marry. Could sell extra crops and ultimately buy their freedom. Purposely treated badly to avoid rebellion. Sparta sometimes declared war on Helots just so strong Helots could be killed.