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Greek Forms of Government: Sparta vs. Athens
Directions:
Use what you’ve learned about the two city-states and imagine what your life would
be like if you lived in Athens or Sparta. (Be sure to consider your age and gender.)
Write a one to two paragraph fictional piece that describes your life as a Spartan or
Athenian youth. Make sure you answer the following questions in your paragraphs:
1.
2.
3.
4.
What
What
What
What
would your daily life be like?
would your education be like? What would you be learning?
would you be doing after you finished learning for the day?
type of activities would you participate in?
Be creative in their storytelling!
Spartan & Athenian Governments: An Overview
Sparta
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Form of Government - oligarchy (only a few hold the power)
Sparta there had three groups:
o slaves, known as Helots
o Spartan females, who were taught to be fit, brave, and patriotic
o Spartan males, all of whom became warriors
Newborn males judged to be weak were left to die of exposure.
At the age of seven, boys left home to live in barracks and receive military training from older
boys.
Boys went barefoot, wore minimal clothing (even in winter), practiced all forms of athletics, and
received military instruction.
They married at age 20 but continued to live in the barracks.
Athens
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Form of Government – direct democracy.
All citizens participated in Athenian governmental activities.
All citizens were equal before the law and participated in the government. (Slaves and
women, however, were not allowed citizenship.)
Athenians eventually abolished slavery and developed a direct democracy where citizens
chose the members of the powerful Assembly.
Athenian youth were encouraged to develop artistic and intellectual talents