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Sparta Compare And Contrast Essay

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In Ancient Greece, there were two main city-states, Sparta and Athens. While both belonged to Greece, each city-state had their own form of government and culture. Thus, making the social order of the two city-states very different. Both city-states have a certain value in history for Greece and the world. The topic of which city-state was more suitable to live in is an ongoing debate that is being argued from many different perspectives. Spartan culture revolved around their military and were known to be the protectors of Greece. Athenian culture on the other hand was one which valued philosophy, equality, and the arts. Sparta may sound like a safe and appealing place to live on the surface, but after a closer look it caused many injustices …show more content…

Supporters of Spartan culture point out that it was necessary for Greek survival that they needed a strong militaristic state. The Greeks were invaded by many super powers, but one of the most noted of the invaders were the Persians. The Spartans were heavily outnumbered, but due to their way of life—they were able to defend themselves and hold them back. Due to the militaristic skills that the Spartan army possessed, the Persian army failed time after time: “After this beaten force withdrew, Xerxes (Persian King) sent an elite unit called the ‘Immortals’ after the Spartan-led force but they too failed” (Jarus 3). Sparta contributes to the greater safety of Greece due to their way of life. City-states such as Athens were unable to measure up to the standards of Spartans in war and would have lost in the battle with Persia and possibly have been conquered if it was not for the Spartans. Spartans within the army can be applauded for enduring harsh conditions to protect their city-state. Women in Athens could not own property. In Sparta, women had many right that many Green women did not possess. Women in Sparta were able to own their own

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