1. Life in Two City-States
Athens & Sparta

2. Government Why was Athens called a democracy?
Laws had to be approved by the assembly
Every citizen could take part in the city’s government
Every citizen was part of the Assembly, which debated and voted on all laws
Why was Sparta called an oligarchy?
The real power was in the hands of a few
Important decisions were made by the Council of Elders
Council members had to be at least 60 and wealthy
The Assembly had little power

3. Economy Athens Sparta Traded with foreign lands and other city-states
Bought and sold goods in the Agora – marketplace
Used coins, which made trade easier
Sparta
Farmed the land
Conquered other people and land to use for farming
Had slaves and noncitizens produce goods
Used iron bars as money

4. Education Athens Sparta
Boys were taught at home by mother or slave until age 6 or 7
Went to school between ages 6 and 14. They learned reading, writing, arithmetic, literature, sports, and music
Began military training at age 18.
Sparta
Boys and girls were trained to fight from age 7.
Boys were taught to suffer pain without complaining.

5. Women and Slaves Athens (Women) Sparta (Women) Were not citizens
Could not choose their husbands
Didn’t go out alone
Managed the household
Sometimes were priestesses
Could not own much property
Sparta (Women)
Lived same simple life as men
Were expected to be strong and ready to fight
Looked after their husbands’ property when husband was gone
Could own and control property

6. Women and Slaves Athens (Slaves) Sparta (Slaves)
Were either born slaves or had been captured in war
Performed a variety of jobs, some of them were highly skilled
Sometimes worked in silver mines
Sparta (Slaves)
Were treated very harshly
Were killed if it was thought they might rebel
Could marry freely
Could buy their freedom