Athens and Sparta

Athens and Sparta

ANCIENT ATHENSJourney into the world of

Politically

Politically, Ancient Athens developed the world’s first Direct Democracy in which every adult male citizen took part in the decisions of the popular assembly.

Economically

The Athenian economy was based heavily on trade. Due to their location on the Aegean, Athenians traded goods, services and ideas with their Mediterranean neighbors.

Religiously

Athens, the city of Athena, celebrated and honored the gods regularly with sacrifices, festivals, and theatrical performances.

SociallyAthenian society was divided into adult male citizens, women and foreigners, and slaves. Only adult male citizens could participate in democracy, but all citizens valued their perceived freedom as Athenians.

Intellectually

Athenians valued philosophy and a variety of intellectual pursuits. Many of the great Greek philosophers, such as Socrates, Plato and Aristotle were Athenians.

Artistically

Athenians are remembered so well by posterity because of the art they left behind. Athenians took an interest in art as a way to honor the gods and themselves.

Militarily

Athenians went to war many times throughout their city – against other city states and outside invaders. Their strength was their navy.

ANCIENT SPARTATravel to the site of

PoliticallyPolitically, Sparta was an oligarchy, dominated by the Council of Elders – a small group elected for life. There were also two hereditary kings who acted as warriors and chief priests. The popular assembly had little power besides approving the decisions of the council of elders.

Economically

Economically, Sparta was isolated. Spartan citizens did not work. For labor they relied on the helots, or state-owned slaves.

Religiously

Like most ancient Greeks, Spartans believed in many gods and they honored them in appropriate ways – through sacrifice and glory in battle.

SociallySpartan society was known for its militant nature. There were three particular social classes:1.Citizens or “equals”2.Half-citizens3.Helots (state-owned slaves. Women also enjoyed more rights than they did elsewhere.

IntellectuallySpartans were more concerned with war than less philosophical pursuits. Young boys entered the agoge system at a young age to learn discipline and physical toughness. Girls were also formally educated, unlike many other city states.

Artistically

The martial spirit that made Sparta the leader in Ancient Warfare, meant that they did not leave behind great works of art for us to marvel at. That was not their priority or their legacy.

MilitarilySpartans were recognized for their military pre-eminence, and led all-Greek armies in the Persian war. Their polis and their life-style revolved around military discipline and physical strength.