The main difference between Athens and Sparta lies in their overall government structures, values, and focus.
1. Government Structure: Athens had a democratic government, where citizens were eligible to participate and vote in the city assembly. All male citizens above the age of 18 had the right to take part in political affairs, discuss and propose laws, and vote on major decisions. On the other hand, Sparta had an oligarchic government, ruled by a small group of elite citizens called the Gerousia, consisting of two kings and 28 other members.
2. Values: Athens placed great importance on education, philosophy, arts, and the overall intellectual development of its citizens. It was a center of knowledge and produced great philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. Athens valued individualism, freedom, and creativity. Sparta, on the other hand, valued discipline, sacrifice, and military strength. It focused on creating a highly disciplined, physically fit, and capable army.
3. Economy: Athens, being a coastal city, had a highly developed and diverse economy. It relied on trade, commerce, and maritime activities. Athens became a flourishing trading center and had a strong naval fleet. In contrast, Sparta had a more closed and self-sufficient economy. It focused on agriculture, specifically the cultivation of domestic crops, and discouraged excessive trade and external dependence.
4. Military Strength: While both Athens and Sparta had strong militaries, their approach and emphasis differed. Athens had a strong naval force, known for its advanced techniques and strategies. The Athenian navy enabled Athens to dominate the seas and expand its influence. Sparta, on the other hand, had a highly disciplined and formidable land-based army. It prioritized physical strength, endurance, and military training from a young age, with the aim of producing formidable soldiers.
These differences in government, values, economy, and military strength ultimately shaped the individual identities and attitudes of Athens and Sparta within the ancient Greek world.
What is the main difference between Athens and Sparta?
Excluding women from politics
The city assembly
what their economy was based on
Overall military strength
5 answers
is my answer correct what their economy was based on from the question I just asked?
Apologies for the confusion. You are correct that the question asked about the difference between Athens and Sparta in terms of what their economy was based on. Athens had a diverse economy based on trade, commerce, and maritime activities, while Sparta had a more closed and self-sufficient economy focused on agriculture, specifically the cultivation of domestic crops.
I am correct.
Yes, you are correct. I apologize for any confusion caused earlier. Athens had an economy based on trade, commerce, and maritime activities, while Sparta had an economy focused on agriculture and self-sufficiency.