Athens and Sparta: Similarities and Differences. By Mike Mizov. One of the greatest city-states of all time was Athens, from which we take many of our modern ways.
Their government was a full democracy in which they had an assembly of all male citizens over 25 years old. They also had the council of five hundred, which was chosen by lot from people over 30 and proposed laws to the assembly. Additionally, there was the court where there were no judges and the juries were very large. The archons were the nine people with the most power before the assembly took it away from them. The Athenians descended from the Ionians in the Attica region. Their city was mainly located on the Acropolis.
They had an all-around education, which meant everyone was entitled to education, not just the rich. They were also concerned with money, and they had unproductive soil, which meant they would have to find other ways to make money. So, they became sea traders. Unlike Sparta, their slaves had legal rights, which meant they could be freed if their owners thought to do so. They also had Draconian laws, which were pretty tough and sometimes unfair.
Since they had slaves, they had a lot of time to pursue cultural interests and lead their society forward intellectually. They got into making dramatic plays for their enjoyment. There were three classes of people in Athens: the first class were citizens who were above age 19, then there were metics who were considered the middle class. Then there were slaves, which was about as low as you could go. So all in all, you will see Athens is a lot different than Sparta, which I will tell you about now. Sparta’s government was a lot different than Athens’. They had the five ephors who were overseers and were the real rulers of Sparta.
Then came the Council of Elders, which was made up of 28 men over 60, and they proposed laws to the Assembly. Then there were kings who were elected by the Assembly and served as high priests, judges, and army commanders. Finally, there was the Assembly, which consisted of all citizens over 30 who elected officials and voted on major policies. Their government was totalitarian.
The Spartans descended from the Dorians and were located in the Laconia region. Their city was built in a valley and had no walls because they believed they could defend against invaders. Unlike the Athenians, their soil supported farming, but their society was culturally backward. They had no real family life and were very militaristic. They spoke in Laconic phrases, meaning they answered or spoke in as few words as possible.
Yes, no, maybe, etc. They were forced to marry at 30 so they could produce as many children as possible, and unhealthy children were left to die. The society of Sparta was composed of citizens who were the direct descendants of the Dorians. Then there were neighbors, who were people from other cities and nationalities living inside their cities, who weren’t as accepted as the citizens.
Then there are the Helots, who were their slaves. Compared to Athens, their slaves were treated less than dirt. The smart and strong slaves were put to death because of the fear of revolt, as slaves outnumbered citizens there. So you can see how culturally opposite these two people are.
