Location Athens and Sparta were in very different locations. The geography of both city-states influenced their development. Athens was close to the sea, whereas Sparta was located on an inland plain, surrounded on three sides by mountains. Because Athens was near the sea, they developed a strong navy. They traded with surrounding civilizations, and valued learning and spreading ideas. In contrast, Sparta developed as an isolated city-state. They valued simplicity and strength, and did not trade. Spartans were also strong warriors.

Government Sparta was an oligarchy. This means only a small group of people had the power to make decisions. To be a citizen, you had to be a man. Women and slaves were not allowed. The Council of Elders was made up of 2 kings and 28 men. They proposed laws to the assembly of Spartan citizens. The Assembly members were only allowed to vote yes or no on the proposed laws. In contrast, Athens was a democracy. Unlike Sparta, the citizens have more power. Like

Sparta, the only people who could vote are citizens. Women and slaves could not vote. The Council of 500 proposed laws and the Assembly voted on the laws. In Sparta the Assembly could not debate the laws, however, in Athens debate was encouraged.

Economy Sparta and Athens both had economies, but the economies were based on different things. Sparta’s economy was based on farming and conquering other people to take their land and people. Whereas, Athens’ economy was based on trade. Most of the buying and selling of goods was done in the agora, a marketplace. In Sparta, they used iron bars for money. In contrast, Athenians used gold, silver and bronze coins.

Education

Since Athens and Sparta had different values, their education was different. In Athens, boys were taught to read, write, do math, and play music. In addition, Athenian boys played sports because they needed to have a healthy body and a healthy mind. In contrast, Spartan boys were only taught to read, write and be a fierce warrior. In Sparta, when a boy turned 20, he took a physical test and if he passed he became a voting citizen. Women had a very different education. In Sparta, women did not learn to read or write, but they were trained for battle. However, in Athens, women learned to cook, weave, sing, dance, and do household chores.

Treatment of Women and Slaves Women and Slaves were treated very differently in Athens and Sparta. In Sparta, women had many rights. In Sparta, women could own property and choose their own husbands. They also trained to be warriors. In contrast, women in Athens had very little rights. They could not own property, vote, or choose their own husbands. Both city-states had slaves. In Sparta, slaves were called helots, or conquered people. Slaves were treated harshly. In Athens, some slaves were also captives. Others were born into slavery.