ATHENS SPARTA Population & Approximately 140,000; Approximately 40,000 men were citizens; and slaves (about 40,000). By 432 BC, Athens had become the most populous city-state in Hellas. In Athens and Attica, there were at least 150,000 Athenians, around 50,000 aliens, and more than 100,000 slaves. Approximately 8,000 Spartiates (adult male citizens) ruled over a population of 100,000 enslaved and semi-enslaved people. Government & Political organizations Usually classified as a "direct democracy" (because everyone, not just politicians attended the Assembly), Athens claims to be the "birthplace of democracy". Elected officials including 10 generals (strategos), magistrates (archons), and others. Council of 500 was charged with administering decisions Usually classified as an "oligarchy" (rule by a few), but it had elements of monarchy (rule by democracy (through the election of council/senators), and aristocracy (rule by the upper class or land owning class). Two who were generals in command of the armies and with some religious duties. Five overseers (ephors) elected annually ran the operations of Sparta. They could veto rulings made by the council or assembly. Council or Senate (apella) of 28 councilmen (men trial
those who came from outside the city; they were not allowed to own land, but could run industries and businesses. Slaves were lowest class, but less harshly treated than in most other Greek cities. Slaves had no rights, and an owner could kill a slave. Slaves varied in status: some were given important roles in Athens, like policemen. Women were rarely seen outside the home and had no rights in the Athenian democracy. Helots descended from those peoples who had resisted subjugation by Sparta and who were constantly rebelling. They were treated like slaves and gave 1/2 of their produce to the Spartiate citizens who owned the land. had few rights, but were more independent in Sparta than elsewhere in Greece. Allies Delian League (with Athens clearly the most powerful); Athens taxed and protected other a Peloponnesian League (with Sparta clearly the most powerful). Military strength Strong navy. Strong army, best and most feared fighters on land. Life style and values Democratic values for citizens. They believed in participation in government as a civic responsibility. Athenians Militaristic values. Children of citizens were raised to be "Spartan", taught to get along with almost nothing. Spartiate citizens were not permitted to own gold or silver
believed in their cultural superiority and in their role in an empire and benefiting from trade. (See showing these values.) "Further, we provide many ways to refresh the mind from the burdens of business. We hold contests and offer sacrifices all the year round, and the elegance of our private forms a daily source of pleasure and helps to drive away sorrow. The magnitude of our city draws the produce of the world into our harbor, so that to the Athenian the fruits of other countries are as familiar a luxury as those of his own." or luxuries. Spartan children were taught to respect elderly, women, and warriors. [The strict separation of classes and militaristic system was put into place by in the 7th century BC.] Spartan mothers would say to their sons, "Either come back with your shield or on it" (meaning return victorious or die fighting). This lifestyle was praised by , an ancient historian c. 375 BCE. Education Schools taught reading, writing and mathematics, poetry, sport and gymnastics. Based upon their birth and the wealth of their parents, the length of education was from the age Boys were taken from parents at age seven and trained in the art of warfare. They were only give a cloak - no shoes or other clothes, and not enough food so they had to steal (to learn survival skills). At they were placed into higher ranks of the military. To age 30 they were dedicated to the
enjoyed luxuries and foods from all over their empire. Wealthy Athenian homes were quite nice with an inner courtyard. blood, salt and vinegar. Spartans were trained to dislike luxuries and fancy foods. The men lived most of their lives in military barracks.