Introduction
The two rivals of ancient Greece, Athens and Sparta were the stepping stones that lead to the societies that we’re living in today. Although they shared similarities, they were far apart.
How did people in Athens and Sparta obtain the right to participate in public life and make decisions affecting the community?
Athens
The foundation of how this question will be answered is laid by a man named Solon (“Athenian democracy”, n.d). Solon amongst others like Cleisthenes developed the Athenian democracy, by dividing the population so that both the wealthy and non-aristocratic Athenian men could participate in the political system.
Furthermore, participation wasn’t open to all Athenian residents. In order to vote one had to be an adult male, who owned land and …show more content…
In both city-states, only respectable native-born male citizens were entitled to vote.
How did they differ?
The main difference between Athens and Sparta was that Athens practiced a democracy and Sparta an oligarchy. Sparta’s -rule by the few- oligarchy had Ephors that was more powerful than anyone, even the Kings.
On the other hand, Athens practiced a democracy meaning a large number of the population had a say in political proceedings.
They differ in means of women as well. Although women from both city-states didn’t participate in governance, an Athenian female had no rights and was isolated in their homes. On the other hand, a Spartan female enjoyed more freedom than the other women of the city-states. They were also allowed to own property.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sparta and Athens shared different views on many things, including military, everyday life and even women, but in some core aspects of government and political power, similarities were evident.
References
“Athenian democracy”, (n.d). Retrieved January 30, 2017 from
The two rivals of ancient Greece, Athens and Sparta were the stepping stones that lead to the societies that we’re living in today. Although they shared similarities, they were far apart.
How did people in Athens and Sparta obtain the right to participate in public life and make decisions affecting the community?
Athens
The foundation of how this question will be answered is laid by a man named Solon (“Athenian democracy”, n.d). Solon amongst others like Cleisthenes developed the Athenian democracy, by dividing the population so that both the wealthy and non-aristocratic Athenian men could participate in the political system.
Furthermore, participation wasn’t open to all Athenian residents. In order to vote one had to be an adult male, who owned land and …show more content…
In both city-states, only respectable native-born male citizens were entitled to vote.
How did they differ?
The main difference between Athens and Sparta was that Athens practiced a democracy and Sparta an oligarchy. Sparta’s -rule by the few- oligarchy had Ephors that was more powerful than anyone, even the Kings.
On the other hand, Athens practiced a democracy meaning a large number of the population had a say in political proceedings.
They differ in means of women as well. Although women from both city-states didn’t participate in governance, an Athenian female had no rights and was isolated in their homes. On the other hand, a Spartan female enjoyed more freedom than the other women of the city-states. They were also allowed to own property.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sparta and Athens shared different views on many things, including military, everyday life and even women, but in some core aspects of government and political power, similarities were evident.
References
“Athenian democracy”, (n.d). Retrieved January 30, 2017 from