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Athens Vs Sparta

Decent Essays

Introduction

Athens and Sparta were two of the largest, most powerful, and most influential cities of Ancient Greece. They may have both been big and historically well revered, but their societies were structured and ruled very differently. This difference is especially true politically speaking. (Athens & Sparta: Democracy vs. Dictatorship, 2016) Sparta was very focused on growing and maintaining a strong army, in efforts to ward off any uprising from their rule over the Helots. Athens on the other hand, seemed like a much more progressive society where culture, philosophy, and a thriving economy were valued. Athens can also be credited with inspiring many of today's democratic societies.

How did people in Athens and Sparta obtain the right to participate in public life and make decisions affecting the community?

People in Athens obtained the right to participate in public life and …show more content…

It was solely focused on creating and maintaining a strong Army. Men were raised to be soldiers, and women were raised to procreate many sons for the army.

Who held public office? What rules governed the selection of public office holders?
The Athenian society and public offices were determined by classes mostly based on wealth:

500 Bushel Men: Labeled that because of their annual income from bushels of grain production. These men could seek the highest political offices including the most powerful 10 generals that were elected each year. Horsemen: Provided horses for Athenian military Middle Class: Could acquire weapons, serve in the military, and run for lower political offices. Thetes: The bottom of the classes with no land or much money. (Athens & Sparta: Democracy vs. Dictatorship, 2016)

Spartan society & public office was made up of:

The Kings: a dual kingship of two different royal tribes. The Kings were not true monarch because they were overruled by the Gerousia and the

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