Athens vs. Sparta Essay
Athens and Sparta are unalike, even though they were city-states located near each other. These two city-states followed philosophies. Each city-state had their unique way of carrying out their government, education and culture.
The government of Athens includes the Assembly, Council of 500, the Jury, the Ten Generals and the voting rights of the Athenians. The Assembly is the law making body of Athens. The Council of 500 supervised the army, navy, and the financial affairs to Athens. The Jury heard legal cases and handed down the verdicts. The Ten Generals led the armed forces in Athens. If they lost a battle, they were tried by the jury. They were either exiled or persecuted. Athenian democracy didn’t extend to everybody. Women, slaves and aliens could not vote. Unlike Athens, Sparta cared about their democracy and arts. The government and society became fully organized. For the Spartan government they elected two kings every nine years. However the real power the real power was in the hands of the committee of five ephors. The kings were allowed to have two voting rights except for themselves.
In Athens boys and girls had different education. For the boys they learned grammar by reciting poems. They were taught to sing and play instruments. They also learned geology, astronomy, geography, and all sports. The girl’s education was that they were taught to be good wives and mothers. They learned weaving, household management, and childcare. However Spartan education was very unique. Every Spartan male was trained to be a soldier. They were taken away from home when they were seven. They were taught to be tough. They also showed respect for their elders. Spartan women had no formal education. They were physically conditioned to be healthy mothers.
For their culture, Athens encouraged the development of the arts and sciences. Talented people came to Athens to learn. The Spartan culture was very...