1. Which city-state offers the better life?
Let’s Debate!
Which city-state offers the better life?
Athens
Sparta

2. Government Athens Sparta
Free males over 18 take part in city-state's gov't
Council of 500 ran day-to- day business
Every citizen had opportunity to take part in Assembly; debated issues & voted on laws
Ruling authority was in Council of Elders
Council of Elders = men over 60, nobles; held lifetime term
Assembly had very little power; no debate of issues

3. Economy
Athens
Sparta
Traded with other city-states goods and resources
Bought and sold goods at agora (marketplace)
Metal coins made trade easier
Relied on farming and conquering other lands
Slaves/noncitizens grew food/made goods
Spartan men were soldiers
Conducted little trade
Used iron bars for currency; heavy and difficult to use

4. Treatment of Women and Slaves
Athens
Sparta
Women and slaves were not citizens
Few women had jobs; rather, managed household and raised children
Slaves held variety of jobs, highly skilled
Some slaves worked under harsh conditions
Women lived simple life had rights
Slaves (Helots) were vast majority of population
Treated harshly
Could buy freedom if saved enough money

5. Education Athens Sparta
Boys taught at home until 6 or 7; went to school until 14
Learned reading, writing, arithmetic, literature, sports, and music
Entered military training at age 18
Girls illiterate, did household tasks
Boys and girls military training began at age 7 (boys lived in barracks through age 30)
Boys taught to be soldiers
At age 20, test of fitness, military ability, and leadership