Download Case Study 2 - Athens vs Sparta Practice Packet

Practice 1
Due Wed Oct 14th
Read the following text and answer the questions that follow:
In the 500s B.C., the Persians extended their empire to include the Greek city-state of Ionia. Under
Persian rule, these city-states were self-governing. However, they resented the Persians. Athens helped the
city-states fight again Persia. This led to the Persian Wars, which lasted from 490 B.C to 479 B.C.
Eventually the Athenians, aided by the Spartans and others, were victorious against the Persians. This
victory increased the Greeks’ sense of uniqueness. Athens emerged from the war as the most powerful citystate in Greece. To increase its security, it formed an alliance with other agree city-states, called the Delian
League. An alliance is a formal agreement between two or more powers to come to one another’s defense.
After the Persian wars, Athens prospered under the leadership of the statesman Pericles. The economy
thrived and the government became more democratic. At this time, Athens was a direct democracy, where
citizens took part in the daily affairs of the government. Pericles believed that citizens from all classes should
participate. Therefore, a stipend, or fixed salary, was paid to men who served in the Assembly and its Council.
In addition, Athenians also served in juries. A jury is a panel of citizens who make the final judgment in
a trial. Athenian citizens could also vote to exile a public figured who seemed to threaten their democracy. This
was call ostracism.
Pericles helped turn Athens into the cultural center of Greece. The arts were encouraged through public
festivals and dramatic competitions. Building projects increased Athens’ prosperity by creating jobs for artisans
and workers.
Many Greeks outside Athens resented Athenian success, however. Soon, the Greek world was divided.
Warfare broke out between Athens and Sparta. This led to the Peloponnesian Wars, which soon spread
throughout Greece. Sparta, helped by the Persians, defeated Athens. Athenian domination of the Greek world
ended. However, later the Athenian economy revived and Athens regained its place as the cultural center of
Greece.
1. What is direct democracy?
2. What was the purpose of a stipend?
3. How did Athens increase its security after the Persian wars?
4. Describe Athens under Pericles.
Global Studies
Unit 3: Power & Control
Name:
Date:
Persian War Persuasive Editorial Assignment
Using information from class, and the documentary “Last Stand of the 300”, create a persuasive
editorial that determines whether the Spartans or Athenians should go to war against the Persians. Based on
the principles of Athenian & Spartan life, identify the advantages and/or disadvantages that led you to the
finalized decision. (Remember, you must choose EITHER the Spartans or Athenians)
This must be done in the form of an typed (1 page, 12pt font, New Times, single spaced) editorial paragraph
with a HAND-DRAWN visual used to recruit or discourage your civilization to participate in the Persian War.
You must include:
(10 points): HAND-DRAWN image or drawing of Athenian/Spartan life that clearly shows a stance
regarding the involvement of the Persian War.
(10 points): Use of information and knowledge about the Athens / Sparta culture to persuade
(5 points): Questions below answered in complete sentences.
Total: __________/15 points
Answer the following questions in complete sentences and incorporate these ideas into your poster.
1. What are some reasons why either the Athenians/Spartans would/wouldn’t fight in the Persian war?
2. What are the main societal values that could encourage/discourage warfare men to fight?
3. What advantages did the Spartans have over the Persians at the Battle of Thermopylae?
4. What advantages did the Athenians have over the Persians at the Battle of Salamis?
5. What advantages did the Persians have over the Athenians/Spartans?