Download Athens and Sparta: Two very different cities

Athens and Sparta: Two very
different cities
Chapter 11
Lesson 3
Athens: Facts
Oldest city in
Europe.
 People have lived
there for 3,000 years.
 Located in the
central part of Attica.

Type of Society


Named after the
Greek god Athena.
Practiced Democracy.
◦ People choose their
leaders instead of
leaders being born.

Was a very successful
and powerful city in
Ancient Greece
◦ Strong Navy.

Valued education
Boys and Men in Athens



Valued physical training
Learned to read, write,
count, and studied
history.
Joined the army but
for two years.
◦ Older men served in the
times of war.

Poor boys could read
and write.
◦ Worked in the fields.
Girls and Women



Almost no education.
Men did not think girls
needed to be educated.
Learned household tasks.
◦ Weaving
◦ Sewing


Women had fewer rights here
than any other city-state.
Could not:
◦ Serve in city government.
◦ Leave homes except for special
occasions.
◦ Buy anything or property,
◦ Disobey husbands or fathers.
Athenian Government

All male citizens took
part in the city
assembly.
◦ Voted on issues of
importance to the city.
◦ Majority rule
 The idea that received
the most votes became
the law.
Sparta:Facts
Located in Southern
Greece
 Strategically located.

◦ Mountains on three
sides.
◦ Controlled the roads
entering the city
Type of Society
Dominated by the
military.
 Military power
provided security
and protection for
their city.

Boys and Men in Sparta


Unhealthy boys were
reviewed by government
officials and killed.
Healthy boys were
trained to be soldiers.
◦ Sent to military training
schools.
Valued courage and
strength over safety.
 Served in the army until
age 60
 Drank blood as a daily
diet.

Girls and Women in Sparta

Had more rights than
any other Greek
women.
◦ Owned land and raise
households.
◦ Husbands gone often.


Also received physical
training.
Sometimes even
competed with men in
sporting events.
Spartan Government

Ruled by two kings
◦ Jointly led the army.

Set up for control of
the cities helots
(Slaves)
◦ Slaves grew crops and
built buildings.

Greatly outnumbered
the citizens but fear of
the army prevented
many revolts.