Podcast
Questions and Answers
What kind of government did Athens have?
What kind of government did Athens have?
- Democracy (correct)
- Theocracy
- Oligarchy
- Monarchy
What kind of government did Sparta have?
What kind of government did Sparta have?
- Democracy
- Monarchy
- Oligarchy (correct)
- Dictatorship
What was the economy in Sparta based on?
What was the economy in Sparta based on?
Farming and conquest
What was the economy in Athens based on?
What was the economy in Athens based on?
Who could be a citizen in Athens?
Who could be a citizen in Athens?
What were the two parts of government in Sparta?
What were the two parts of government in Sparta?
What were the two parts of government in Athens?
What were the two parts of government in Athens?
Women in Athens could own property.
Women in Athens could own property.
Women in Sparta could own property.
Women in Sparta could own property.
What was the job of Athenian women?
What was the job of Athenian women?
What was the job of Spartan women?
What was the job of Spartan women?
Did girls learn to read and write in Athens?
Did girls learn to read and write in Athens?
Did girls learn to read and write in Sparta?
Did girls learn to read and write in Sparta?
What might you see in the agora in Athens?
What might you see in the agora in Athens?
Why was education important in Athens?
Why was education important in Athens?
Why was education important in Sparta?
Why was education important in Sparta?
What were the jobs of slaves in Athens?
What were the jobs of slaves in Athens?
Why did Sparta treat its slaves harshly?
Why did Sparta treat its slaves harshly?
Which city-state was primarily a military state?
Which city-state was primarily a military state?
What was Oligarchy?
What was Oligarchy?
Study Notes
Athens vs. Sparta: Key Comparisons
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Government Structure
Athens operated as a democracy, allowing citizens to participate in governance, whereas Sparta was governed by an oligarchy, where power rested with a select few individuals. -
Economic Practices
The Athenian economy thrived on trade facilitated by coinage, making transactions simple. In contrast, Sparta relied on agriculture and conquest, using iron bars as currency which complicated trade. -
Educational Focus
Athenian education aimed to cultivate well-rounded citizens, with boys learning subjects such as reading, writing, mathematics, poetry, and physical education. Spartan education was centered on training warriors, starting from a young age for both boys and girls. -
Women’s Rights
Women in Athens had limited freedoms; they could not choose husbands, socialize freely, own property, or venture outside unaccompanied. Their roles confined them to managing households and raising daughters. Conversely, Spartan women enjoyed greater autonomy, owning property, wearing simple clothing, and receiving physical training. -
Slave Treatment
Athenian slaves often performed varied roles, including skilled professions, while Spartan helots faced harsh treatment despite having some rights like marriage and potential freedom. Spartans feared helot revolts, leading to their strict control. -
Geographical Context
Athens was situated in the region of Attica, while Sparta was located in Peloponnesus. -
Government Assemblies
Athens had a Council of 500 and an Assembly of 6,000 citizens. In Sparta, the government comprised the Council of Elders and an Assembly, which included two hereditary kings. -
Civic Participation
Requirements for Athenian citizenship included being male, 18 years or older, and born in Athens, excluding women, slaves, and foreigners. In Sparta, to be on the Council of Elders, one needed to be male, from a noble family, and at least 60 years old. -
Role of Slaves
Athenian slaves were involved in numerous sectors, including households, education, and skilled labor. They held varied levels of respect depending on their roles. Spartan slaves were primarily farmers and laborers, treated with suspicion due to fears of insurrection. -
Trade Dynamics
Athens encouraged trade through accessible markets and ports, enhancing economic growth. On the other hand, Sparta discouraged external trade to prevent new ideas and threats to their oligarchic rule. -
Women's Social Life
Athenian women were largely confined to domestic roles with no choice over marriage partners, while Spartan women had the agency to choose husbands and were expected to be physically capable. -
Military Focus
Spartans primarily identified as soldiers who lived for military excellence. Education and societal systems in Sparta were designed to foster a robust warrior culture.
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Description
Explore the distinct governments and economies of Athens and Sparta through these flashcards. This quiz highlights key differences in their political structures and economic practices, providing insight into ancient Greek society.
