Discussion Forum Unit 2

Although they were a part of the Greek Civilization, the city-states of Athens and Sparta differed
from each other in many ways. Elaborate upon the social differences between Athens and Sparta
with special emphasis on the following:

 slaves in Athens and helots in Sparta

 the education system
 the position of women

Slaves in Athens and helots in Sparta

Slavery was common in both Athens and Sparta, but how slaves were treated differed greatly.
Boys were taught martial methods from a young age and were expected to become soldiers. Girls
were also given physical education and encouraged to be strong and healthy (Garland, 2020).

Slaves were an essential component of the economy in Athens, and they were utilized for a
variety of activities including mining, farming, and domestic work. Slaves were seen as property
and had no rights, but some were able to buy or win their freedom in other ways.

The helots were a slave-like class of people in Sparta who were subjugated and compelled to
labor the land by the Spartans. Helots were not considered property, but were bound to the land
on which they labored, and their offspring became helots as well. Helots were cruelly abused and
continually monitored and controlled by the Spartan army in order to avoid any insurrection or
rebellion.

Education System

Both Athens and Sparta placed a great importance on education, but the type of education
imparted differed. Education in Athens was centered on the arts, philosophy, and politics. Boys
from wealthy households went to school and were tutored privately or attended public schools.
Girls, on the other hand, did not get formal education and were solely taught household
responsibilities.

In Sparta, on the other hand, education was centered on military training, discipline, and physical
fitness. Boys were removed from their families at the age of seven and transferred to military
camps, where they received rigorous training until the age of 18. Girls were also given physical
training and urged to be strong and healthy so that they might have healthy children who would
grow up to be great Spartan warriors.

Position of Women
Women's roles in Athens and Sparta differed as well. Women had minimal rights in Athens, and
were expected to stay at home, bear children, and run the household. They had no political power
and could not hold property. However, some affluent women wielded some power through their
husbands or dads.

Women enjoyed more freedom in Sparta and were encouraged to be physically active and
muscular. They might possess property and inherit from their dads or husbands. Spartan women
were also permitted to participate in public activities, including the Olympics.

In general, while Athens relied on slavery and prioritized intellectual education, Sparta relied on
helotry and prioritized physical training for military purposes. Women's positions differed
according to city-state, with Spartan women enjoying greater freedom and liberties than
Athenian women.

References:

Garland, R. (2020, August 6). The education system in Ancient Greece. Wondrium Daily.
Retrieved from https://www.wondriumdaily.com/the-education-system-in-ancient-greece/