Why Is Athens Better Than Sparta

It was 404 B.C, and the Peloponnesian War, the war between the two city-states, Athens and Sparta, had been going on for about three decades. Finally, with one last push, Athens finally surrendered, leaving Sparta to be the strongest city-state ever to be seen in the course of history. Sparta became invincible, far superior to Athens because women had more freedom and education than other city-states, they had two governments in different times, and they lived a military life. First and foremost, Spartan women had more freedom and education than other city state women. At a young age, Spartan girls along with boys were able to all afford a public education, while in city states like Athens, women and girls had to be taught at home. Some also object that Athens was the center of education. Although I understand their point, it is still important to remember that Athenian women and girls received very little education. Spartan girls could also exercise and participate in athletic events. This was even encouraged because of the fact that women could have healthier and stronger babies. In addition, Spartan women had as much rights has Spartan men. For example, Spartan women could own property and even run businesses. Not only did Spartan women had more …show more content…
Sparta’s government changed between two times. In times of peace, Sparta had an oligarchy of 30 elders, each over 60 years of age. The oligarchy also included an assembly of male adults and five ephors, which had unlimited power. Some have said that Athens had a better government, considering it was a democracy. While I understand their point of view, it is important to remember that a democracy takes longer to debate and argue about issues, while a monarchy and oligarchy can make faster decisions. Equally important, debating on serious issues, like war, can take a long time, which will mean they will not be able to act