Differences Of Athens And Sparta In Ancient Greece

Athens and Sparta were two very significant city-states in Ancient Greece in the early 6th century. Though they had different approaches in overseeing their region, they were both similar and dissimilar in the way they managed their politics, societies, and economies. Despite the fact that they had their differences, they were both able to build a strong and thriving civilization that historians and common individuals still discuss today. During the 6th century, Athens was considered the birthplace of democracy; “Athens is the symbol of freedom, art, and democracy in the conscience of the civilized world.”1 The city of Athens was undergoing a difficult time as it was being torn apart by politics. The Athenian government appointed Solon as …show more content…
Spartans were ruled more than one person; in fact groups ruled them. There was a limited committee of four ephors who were elected annually. These four ephors were able to serve for a maximum of one year and were unable of running in the future. There was also an assembly that contained citizens over the age of thirty and they were able to keep their position for life. Sparta and Athens were relatively similar in light of the fact that they both had an assembly.4 Sparta was also identified as the “protector of Greece” because of their transcending military. Sparta’s military was heavily equipped and intensely trained, earning them the title as one of the most powerful militaries at the time. However, the Athens military were eager to gain control over as much land as they possibly could in Greece. Subsequently, Athens made countless enemies. The Athenians acted on impulse, invading other countries if they heard even the slightest bit of weakness. Rather than giving them a chance to be assaulted, Athenians made the first move. They attacked in formations, running to their enemies with their shields. The voracity of Athens frequently resulted in some turmoil between these two city-states and as a result the Peloponnesian War broke out which lasted roughly twenty-seven years. Athens was unequipped compared to Sparta’s excelling military therefore resulting in Athens losing the Peloponnesian War, and thus Sparta became the …show more content…
By the 5th century BC, Athens became “the foremost trading power of the Mediterranean.”1Athens did most of it’s trading with Etruria and to the colonies in southern Italy, where they enjoyed Athenian pottery. As a result, public buildings began to be constructed during this time period. Since Spartan land wasn’t valuable for agriculture, Sparta took over the fertile land in Messenia. Not only did they capture the land of Messenia but, also they also held the people resided in this region captive. Imprisoned Messenia’s, known as Helots, were forced to do all the agricultural work in Sparta. Spartan citizens were forbidden to engage in any trade or farming. Bringing in Helots helped strengthen Sparta as they continued to go through physical training in order to remain the most powerful city-state.4 Helots, who were captured unwillingly, were livid and rebelled against the Spartans. Thus, the Spartan government needed to control the outburst of the Helots, resulting in the Spartan military needing to make their army even sturdier.
In conclusion, Athens and Sparta both exhibited fearlessness as they strived to become the most powerful city-state. Athens, with its inspiring democracy, was able to turn around their government by listening to the people and treating them equally. Sparta, with its powerful military, was capable of remaining in power by brutally training their citizens. Their mechanisms in managing their politics,