Athens Vs Sparta Compare And Contrast

Today, many of the world’s government structures were based on the principle of one of Greece’s city-states. Greece became a country advancing well before its time, strong in both military and brain power. This country was able to produce two city-states that became foundations to advancing the rest of the world. The first city-state, Athens, is thought to be the first to implement a democratic government while Sparta became known for their military power. While Athens and Sparta provide the world with advancements they differ in the ways of government structures, social motivations, and cultural differences. Athens and Sparta have proven to provide strong governmental structure to help lead to each city-state’s success. Athens

The city-state wanted to better themselves, so they developed the code of behavior of non-retaliation. They provided three social groups the citizens or free adult males, non-citizens who were women or foreigners, and slaves. Sparta, on the other hand, carried military values they provided the military with whatever needs necessary. This city-state emphasized on expanding power and gaining control over other kingdoms. Sparta contained three social group as well, the citizens or landowners, the non-citizens, and the Helots who were forced to work for the citizens. Although the two city-states of Greece carried different motives they were both thought of as thinkers who loved beauty and multiple forms of art. Culture is one thing the two city states seemed to differ in greatly. Athens was thought to be a more progressive city-state. It’s known for art, architecture, drama, science advancements, philosophy, as well as literature. Though they were advanced in all of these fields they were behind on the rights of women. Women were thought of as dependents of the father or husband. Women lived in gynaeceum: women’s quarters where they could oversee the running of the home and have very little contact with the male world (O’Pry, 2012). Spartan women, on the other hand, seem to have a bit more freedom and were able to own property. Sparta allowed for women to get educated in the same manner as the males. Sparta had a laid back culture and men were to serve in their military. Children were raised to be “Spartans” and mothers were credited to have a large part in this upbringing. Spartans were to respect the elderly, women, as well as the