WHI: SOL 5c Sparta

Life in Athens Men participated in government and politics Women had no role in government, but had a very public role in religion Women ran the households Weaving, spinning, caring for children, preparing food Women could not go out in public unescorted

Education Girls received little or no education Boys learned to read and write, studied poetry, music, practiced public speaking Boys received military training and participated in athletic competition but were encouraged to explore many areas of knowledge **Athenians placed emphasis on a well- educated man in government

Sparta Oligarchy (rule by a small group) – Two kings and a council of elders – An assembly made up of all citizens approved all major decisions Rigid social structure Militaristic and aggressive society

Education Babies were evaluated at birth, those too small or weak were left to die Boys were taken from their families at age 7 and moved into barracks – They ate coarse food, wore minimal clothing, and no shoes – Trained to fight daily, encouraged to steal food, severe beatings for transgressions At age 20 a man could marry but he had to continue living in the barracks for another 10 years and eat there for another 40 years

Women Women were expected to be the mothers of strong Spartan soldiers Girls and women were required to exercise and strengthen their bodies Women could inherit property While men were at war, women often ran households and businesses

Spartan Military Developed the phalanx- a tactical formation of heavily armed foot soldiers Sparta was isolated from other city-states Travel was forbidden to their citizens Spartans looked down on wealth and trade, had no use for the arts or new ideas