ATHENS VS.

SPARTA
EARLY CITY-STATES

Though both stated as smaller city-states, Athens

and Sparta soon became the exception.

 Athens  Sparta
 Consisted of  Warrior minded peoples
surrounding villages in  Came to control two-
Attica fifths of the
 Covered 2500 km2 Peloponnese
 Very large in size and  Oligarchy
populace
 Democratic government
 TYPES OF GOVERNMENT

 Oligarchy  all power is  Republic  supreme

vested in a few persons
or in a dominant class
 Sparta
 Democracy supreme
power is vested in the
people and exercised
directly by them or by
their elected agents  Monarchy  supreme
under a free electoral
system
 Athens
power rests in the body of
citizens entitled to vote and
is exercised by
representatives chosen
directly or indirectly by
them
 U.S.A.
power is actually or
nominally lodged in a
monarch
 Saudi Arabia
ATHENS
 Democratic
government
 Education valued

 Trade Economy
Parthenon  Temple for Athena, believed to protect Athenians
SPARTA

 Oligarchy government
 Harsh treatment of their
slaves
 Military strength most
important
 Farming Economy
 Athens v Sparta
Athens
Athens was the most powerful Greek state, named after Athene, the goddess of
wisdom and war.
Athenians built many impressive buildings, such as the Parthenon, which was a
large temple that still stands today.
Athens had a powerful navy for fighting battles at sea.
Athenians also travelled by boat to trade with other countries.
Athens welcomed visitors from other city-states and countries.
Most Athenian men were only required to be soldiers during times of war; in
peace time they had other jobs.
In Athens boys went to school but girls were taught at home.
In Athens, every citizen had a right to speak and make decisions.
Athenians valued the arts, including philosophy. They had many famous writers,
philosophers and mathematicians.
 ATHENS V. SPARTA
Sparta
Decisions in Sparta were made by a group of wise men.
Sparta was surrounded by mountains which protected it from invaders.
Sparta was quite far inland, so did not have a large navy. Spartans did not allow
trade with other countries or cities, and visitors were not allowed into the city.
All Spartan men had to serve in the army. Other jobs were done by slaves.
Spartans lived in harsh conditions, without luxuries, to make them tough fighters.
Physical training and fitness was considered to be an important part of a Spartan
child’s education.
Girls did not fight in wars but they took part in physical activities because Spartans
believed fit, strong women would have healthy babies that would be good soldiers.
Boys went to live at an army barracks at the age of 7.
Spartans banned books. They thought that writing and philosophy were useless
because they would not help to win wars.
Spartans lived in simple buildings.
ATHENS AND SPARTA – SIDE BY SIDE
Athens and Sparta Compared
http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/Tormey38
1-161525-sparta-vs-athens-ancient-greece-
entertainment-ppt-powerpoint/

Athens and Sparta Chart

http://www.sfusd.edu/schwww/sch618/GreeksMultime
diaProject/Graphic_Organizers_Greeks/Compare_
Sparta_Athens.html