Athens and Sparta Comparison

Athens and Sparta are the two famous city-states in Ancient Greece. The Athens was more superior then Sparta. The Athenians were stronger because they had a better geography, government, cultural achievements, and I would rather live in the Athens.

The government in Sparta followed a very different coarse than that of the Athenians. It was controlled by an oligarchy in which the power was held by a group of five men called ephors. Working below the ephors was the Council of Elders and an Assembly. Male citizens over age sixty could serve on the Council while anyone, male or female, over the age of twenty could be a member of the Assembly. Though the citizens had little say in the decisions made by the government, the system worked effectively. Over the years, the Spartan's brutal reputation in war grew so great that other nations and city-states were too frightened to attack Sparta even though the Spartan army was no larger then eight thousand men. The Spartan Constitution called for all men to begin their military education at the age of seven, where they were trained to be tough and self-sufficient. Every man in the army fought with a great deal of passion for his country. Life in Sparta may have been rough, but the rest of the Greeks envied the Spartans for their simplicity, straight forwardness, and fanatical dedication. The beliefs of Sparta were oriented around the state. The individual lived and died for the state. The combination of this philosophy, the education of Spartan males, and the discipline of their army gave the Spartans the stability needed to survive in Ancient Greece.

The Peloponnesian War was a conflict where Sparta aimed to maintain its position as the prevailing power in Greece and prevent Athens from becoming too dominant (). According to Ambler (), Sparta saw the Athenian Empire as threatening security and sought to preserve its power and influence in Greece. One of the examples of Sparta's defensive strategy was its alliance with Persia to counter Athenian aggression (). In contrast to Sparta's defensive goals, the Roman conquest of Italy was a gradual process aimed at securing control over neighboring city-states ().

Use your impressions of Athens and Sparta to discuss and compare daily life in the two city-states.

Hello old friend, it has been far too long, I am glad you have reached for my help deciding between Athens and Sparta. I truly believe Athens would be a much better environment for your family to stay than Sparta. Here in Athens it is a very safe place for your children and your wife. Athens would be a better place to live for your family because of the lifestyle and values, good education system and also the steady government and political system.

Sparta was ruled by a king or at some point two kings. These two kings were from two separate families of royalty and neither of them had absolute power. The king or kings had to be consulted by the Ephors. The Ephors had a lot of power and authority in the Spartan government. They were a group of five elders, men over the age of 30 who would serve in this position for a year. They had the power to bring up charges against anyone in Sparta, including the king. Unlike Athens who was set on trying to establish a peaceful democratic atmosphere; Sparta was a lot more militaristic and strict. One of the Spartan government’s main priorities was the strength of the Spartan army. They believed that strength, endurance and numbers were a key part in a successful and powerful army. Therefore every Spartan boy at the age of seven would be taken away from their mothers and put into training for the next 13 years.

Paula Cepeda Professor Saperstein Foundations of Civilizations 18 December 2017 Comparing Greek City States Comparing Greek City States City states in ancient Greece have many differences. The term Ancient, or Archaic, Greece refers to the time three centuries before the classical age, between 800 B.C. and 500 B.C.—a relatively sophisticated period in world history (History.com Staff). Sparta and Athens are very distinct early Greek city states.

Around 490-479 BCE, the Persians Wars were starting to begin. Leading to the rise of Athens and Sparta. These two civilizations were very wealthy, even though they were in different parts of Greece. These two city states were always at war with each other and lead to many stalemates. Sparta and Athens had completely different mind sets for creating a great civilization. Sparta wanted to have a very strong army and that’s what they really desired to focus on the most. The Spartans wanted to leave their enemies with a massive victory. Athens wanted to make a society that would be stable in every quality. These civilizations happen to have many similarities and differences that exhibit distinctive characteristics.

Spartan and Athenian society were very different from each other in several aspects. However, the two shared several of the same characteristics. For the most part, the differences between both city states is what set the two apart. Meanwhile, the few things that both ancient city states had in common is what united them. Spartans for the most part, wanted a strong army, a civilization with no freedom and less education for their men. They wanted to send their men to fight in the army. On the other hand, the Athenians had a strong army, but their freedom was a necessity and the education to their people was a priority.

Sparta is recognized as the protector of Greece and what really aggravated Sparta is how Athens wanted to take control of land in Greece. With that being said this would led the two Greeks into war. Sparta was known for their strong army and it was clear to Athens as well. Athens had something that Sparta did not have and that was the naval unit. The similarities of the two came to reality when both can solve and handle issues.

In the article “Athens and Sparta” by Mr. Duckworth, he states. “Where they differed was that while Spartans had militaristic values Athens had democratic.” Athens and Sparta were the two great powers on the Peloponnesian Peninsula. They fought for military might, and land.

“Athens and Sparta” by Mr.Duckworth states, Where they differed was that while Spartans had militaristic values, Athenians were democratic. Athens would have been better to live in because Athens is ruled by the people, Athens did not run out of resources, and They understood the importance growth . First Athens was ruled by the people. Duckworth states, “Athens is said to have been the birthplace of democracy.” In Athens not only the ruler made was the one who made all the decisions.

The men of Sparta’s sole purpose were to become ruthful soldiers that were indestructible and fight in the wars. While the women’s sole purpose was to have as many men as possible so they could be shaped into warriors of war. Only the soldiers were given power in politics. The levels of courage were present in both men and women of Sparta which was recognized as a significant difference to Athens and its people. This was a pave way for a chosen way of life that left the men no choice but to be a soldier and fight in wars to be given honor and dignity by their fellow soldiers, otherwise they would lead a harsh and shameful life, become outcasts of the community, if they weren’t first murdered by their own mothers, out of shame for their lack of courage and lifestyle choice. Diet, staying in groups and having Christian faith, were all requirements of the Spartan men, as their military training. These are all characteristics of a dictatorship rule. This thirst for power evoked neighboring states around Sparta to become slaves. Which is another characteristic of dictatorship. It was governed by two kings at once, both were from two separate royal families. The authority and power belonged to a council of men – over 60 men, named the “Gerousia” and five magistrates, named the “Ephors” – whom were elected into power, annually. With the rule of only being able to serve one term in office.

Athens and Sparta were both great city states one with power one with knowledge. however they have many differences and similarities. Spartans had the most powerful army in all of Greece at the time. Athens had the best schooling system in Greece. Sparta and Athens are both very similar and very different here's how.

Athens and Sparta were the most famous cities in Greece. They were bitter rivals in ancient Greece. They were very close to each other geographically, but so different in the values, lifestyle, and cultures.