Classical Athens Vs Sparta

In ancient Greek history, Greek civilization were divided and consisted of separate and independent city-states called the Polis. Through Polis, each state was allowed to form its own rules and govern its people. States such as Athens and Sparta evolved into Greek Polis, and they developed their own unique systems that significantly impacted Greek history. The Spartan developed into a military state, oligarchy, where they completely focus on military training and excellence. In contrast to Sparta, Athens formed a democracy which united the entire city and allowed all free male citizens to participate in state affairs. Through Democracy, men of Athens were more involved in state affairs compared to men of Sparta. The two states created their …show more content…
Since Sparta was a military dominant state, men were “absent from home for long periods of time on military expeditions” (Aristole, 1270a). Women were forced to be in charge of the household and as result, gave them opportunities to obtain political powers and some freedom of expressing opinions. This privilege granted women somewhat political power and influences. This is significant in ancient Greek history because women were seen as inferior and unintelligent for any politics. Most ancient Greeks, such as Athens, believed that women should give “no heed to public affairs”(Aristotle). Only citizen men could participate in affairs and women were confined at home. Similar to Athens, women could not take active part in political events, but they were able to influence the community by speaking their opinion. It is said that “Spartans in the days of their greatness; many things were managed by their women.” This shows that women played an important role in Sparta, when necessary, Spartan women were expected to take care of men’s jobs and interests when the men are …show more content…
Many Spartan views that men and woman should be educated together. Just like the men, women could wrestle and handle a weapon to kill. Spartans believed that strong women produce strong babies so women were encouraged to become stronger. Because of these beliefs, Spartan women were able to pride themselves and find their sense of identities. Such a view of women stands in stark contrast to the view of Athens. Unlike the Spartans, most women in Athens received little education. They did not receive formal education like the boys and were educated mostly at homes. Women were taught mostly household skills and basic finances because “these were seen to be the most important skills for women to have, along with the ability to raise children.”(Mason) Many Athenian men believed that women were not capable of learning the things that men did, and as a result, Athenian women were mostly confined to their house. “Athenian married woman lived in almost oriental seclusion” (Seltman, 119). Because of this many of the Athenian women don’t receive any political opportunities. One can see that the differences in their education demonstrate their lifestyle and views of women. While Athens viewed women as an inferior being that requires no education but skills to take care of the house and child, the Spartans viewed women