Athenon Vs Sparta

Secondly, the economical, political and trading strategies of Athenians and Spartans differed greatly even though both of these cities were in Greece. Solon brought various reforms in Athens during the period of his rule. First, since Attica 's soil was particularly poor for farming wheat and barley, he outlawed the export of grain from Attica. This encouraged the cultivation of olive trees that were better suited for Attica 's soil. The olive oil produced from these trees was a valuable commodity used for cleansing and as a fuel for light and cooking. Later, grapevines would also be cultivated, and Attica 's wine became still another highly valued Athenian product.

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Solon’s political reforms were that he changed the qualifications for holding public office from being determined by

Furthermore, Solon developed trade and manufacture in Athens, largely through attracting skilled craftsmen to settle there. He especially encouraged pottery since Attica had excellent clay for ceramics (88). On the other hand, Sparta had no fortifications, claiming its men were its walls. Therefore, Sparta is remembered for being a military state always ready for war, but not against other city-states so much as against its own subjects (89). Spartan government, in sharp contrast with the democracies found in other city-states, kept elements of the old monarchy and aristocracy. The Spartans had a very conservative foreign policy, since they did not want to risk a Helot revolt while they were away at war. Spartan discipline did produce magnificent soldiers, inured to hardship and blind obedience to authority, but with little talent for original thinking or self-discipline. Thus, these huge differences between Spartans and Athenians made Peloponnesian War unavoidable.

Thirdly, the effects of Peloponnesian War were devastating to the Greek society.