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Ancient Greece 1
Debate Questions
1. Describe the history behind your polis.
a. Who were important figures in the development of the polis?
b. Sparta: Why was a militaristic society necessary for the preservation of the polis?
i. Could the polis have survived if its economy was based on trade? Explain.
c. Athens: Why was trade so important to Athens?
i. How did geography play a pivotal role in Athenian trade relations?
2. Sparta: What are the benefits of an oligarchic system of government as compared to Athenian
democracy?
3. Athens: What are the benefits of democratic rule?
4. Athens and Sparta: Describe the social structure of your polis.
a. Athens: Why if your government is considered a democracy were so few given the right to
vote?
b. Sparta: What rights were given to women? Why was it important for them to play such an
important role in society?
c. Sparta: Why was it so important to have strong women?
d. Athens: Why were women limited to running their households?
e. Athens: Why were woemn not able to vote?
5. Sparta: It has been claimed that Spartan children are left to die on cliffs. What was the purpose of
this? Wouldn’t this be considered barbaric?
6. Athens: Why do you feel it is important to allow your slaves to hold such important positions such
as nurses and teachers?
7. Sparta: Some contend that if more rights were given to the helots, more time could be spent
advancing your culture rather than strengthening the military. What are your views concerning
this statement?
8. Athens: What are the benefits of a strong navy?
9. Sparta: What are the benefits of a strong army?
10. Athens: The arts, architecture, and drama are all considered important components of your
civilization. Some contend that an emphasis on these things weakens your polis. What are your
views?
11. Sparta and Athens: What are your views on the education system? Should girls be educated?
12. Sparta: What were the benefits of building a society based on order and discipline?
13. Sparta and Athens: Explain your education processes. What emphasis has been placed on
education?
Ancient Greece 3
Debate Questions
a. Sparta: It has been recorded that intellects in Sparta had their property confiscated, were
banished, or even killed. What was the purpose behind this?
b. Athens: Spartans contend that the introduction of new ideas endangers the stability of the
state. What are your views?
14. Sparta and Athens: Which legacy would you want to leave for future generations?