Characterize the major differences between Sparta and Athens, including your view of the strengths and weaknesses of each. Which do you think reflected qualities necessary to the maintenance of present-day democracies, and why?
EXPERT ANSWER
Athenian and Spartan culture were altogether different in numerous angles. Nevertheless, in the meantime, the two shared a series of common characteristics. The distinctions are what separated the two, while common beliefs and cultures joined them as Greek city-states.
System of Governance
Sparta
One of the main differences between Athens and Sparta relates to the way their governments were structured. The system of government for Sparta was Oligarchy. Every year, there was election of Ephors (Wright, 2015). Five of them were elected. They were accompanied by two kings.
These kings passed on crowns to their respective chosen sons. “Gerousia” represented the senate. Kings and Ephors could often meet in the “appella” which represented national assembly to make decisions regarding various civil issues.
Decisions were reached through the power of the majority. What was only required was just a shouting of “no” or “yes” Due to power of majority, the five Ephors had the ability to overrule the decision made by the kings. They had an exclusive form of government although the participation was exclusively open to members from the highest social ranking.
With oligarchy, power was consolidated on experienced people only. With experienced people come best decisions. On the other hand, this system opened avenue for social division.
Athens
On the flip side, Athens practiced democratic system of government whereby the people, regardless of their social status, had a say in regard to state proceedings and affairs. This is different from the Sparta’s system of governance. In Athens, 5,000-6,000 people were reduced to group consisting of 500 people. The 500 people could then be divided further to groups of 50.
Every group would be in charge for like a month. Ten generals were elected automatically as a result of their experience (Mitchell, 2015). The others were selected through “lot” voting. They an assembly referred to as “ekklesia”, where they sat and discussed militaristic, social and political matters.
Athens formed the foundation of modern democracy. Democracy promotes equality, encourages personal development and leads to societal consistency despite the fact it takes time to actually mature in any country. It is the best system of government which reflects the will of the majority unlike oligarchy which represents the will of few powerful individuals.
Military
Sparta
Both the two great powers had established strong sea and land forces at various phases in their history. However, each had dominance in one specific arm of military. Sparta dominated on land-based military made up of armored hoplites. Spartan hoplites went through extensive training from as early as 7 years old, making them among the finest brand of warriors of the ancient times.
Their education system referred to as “agoge” entailed harsh training which took place in the wilderness (Wright, 2015). This greatly improved their performance in the battlefield.
Athens
On the other hand, Athens was popular for when it came to navy. While at particular stages, particularly under the Demosthenes, Athenian military developed substantial strength, nearly matching that of Spartans, generally it was not superior. They had special and powerful ship comprised of Triremes. This was a revolutionary ship, comprising of one hundred and seventy oarsmen, sailors, soldiers, and a captain. It was maneuverable and fast because of its in-battle ferocity. It played a great role during the countering of the Persian threat during the invasion of Greece by Xerxess (Mitchell, 2015).
References
Mitchell, T. (2015). Democracy’s Beginning (pp. 203-246). New Haven: Yale University Press.
Wright, A. (2015). City States (pp. 10-12). Hoboken: Taylor and Francis.
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FAQs
similarities between sparta and athens
5 similarities between athens and sparta
what are 3 similarities between athens and sparta
what is the difference between athens and sparta government
10 reasons why athens is better than sparta
Similarities between Sparta and Athens
- Greek language: Both Sparta and Athens spoke the same language, which was Greek. This allowed for easy communication and trade between the two city-states.
- Polytheistic religion: Both Sparta and Athens practiced a polytheistic religion, which meant they worshiped multiple gods and goddesses.
- Military strength: Although Athens was primarily known for its navy and Sparta for its army, both city-states placed a great deal of importance on military strength and training.
- Greek culture: Sparta and Athens were both part of ancient Greek culture, which included common values and practices such as love of sports and competition, emphasis on education, and admiration for heroes and legends.
- City-state government: Both Sparta and Athens were organized as independent city-states with their own governments and systems of rule.
What is the difference between Athens and Sparta government
10 reasons why Athens is better than Sparta
- Athens was the birthplace of democracy, which allowed for greater political participation and representation than in Sparta's oligarchic system.
- Athens was a center for culture and intellectual pursuits, producing famous philosophers like Plato, Aristotle, and Socrates.
- Athens valued education and the arts, with public schools for boys and private tutors for the wealthy, while Sparta focused primarily on military training.
- Athens had a strong navy and was a leading power in trade and commerce, while Sparta was focused more on land-based military power.
- Athenian women had more rights and freedoms than Spartan women, who were largely confined to traditional roles as wives and mothers.
- Athens had a diverse population, with immigrants and foreigners welcomed and integrated into society, while Sparta was more insular and suspicious of outsiders.
- Athenian citizens had a say in their government and could hold public office, while in Sparta, only a small group of wealthy and powerful citizens had a say in government.
- Athenians valued individual freedom and expression, while Spartans were focused more on discipline and conformity.
- Athens produced great works of literature, art, and architecture that continue to influence Western culture today, while Sparta did not produce as much cultural output.
- Athenians were generally more tolerant and accepting of different lifestyles and beliefs than Spartans, who were known for their strict adherence to social norms and traditions.
