Ancient Greece, the birthplace of many achievements that still influence western civilization today. Ancient Greece was one country, but it was separated by several different ways of life. These societies all brought something different to the table, making the diversity of ancient Greek culture that much greater. Two notable societies of ancient Greece are the city-states of Sparta and Athens. Despite the fact that these two city-states had several similarities, they were different in several radical ways. The political, social, and militaristic evolution of these two powers is what stands them apart. The early history of the two poleis were similar considering their establishments of government. Initially governed by a council of nobles-which represented the king’s authority-, early Athens was at a rocky growth due to negative effects influenced by the political establishment. Unprofitable land forced farmers and sharecroppers into borrowing money from nobles, which resulted in them being forced into slavery due to not being able to repay their debts. Eventually, the aristocrat, Solon, institute political reforms. Thus forming the Council of Four Hundred, it was still controlled by the nobles but gave more power to the 400 members. By 500 B.C.E., a noble named Cleisthenes gained the power to implement constitutional reforms which reduced the power of the nobility and gave more power to the people. A new Council of Five Hundred was established. Council membership was open to all excluding the poorest of citizens. The establishment of a democratic government, which was more democratic than any other during that period, has notably left Athens as the “birthplace of democracy.” Originally starting as a powerful monarchy, Sparta had begun to move towards an oligarchic government. Known as the Council of Elders, it consisted of 2 kings and 28 men. Each year the nobles would elect five ephors to oversee the activities of their two kings, as well as the Spartan social system. The Spartan nobles had also conceived an assembly of Spartan citizens to approve or veto the proposals of the Council. The people in Athens who had a voice in the government were men over the age of 18 with some wealth. In Sparta, in contrast, Spartan woman had more of a voice in political and economic matters. Athens is known as a democratic society, on the contrary, the majority of the Athenian residents weren’t given equal opportunities compared to others. Women were denied citizenship and any voice in the government affairs. The duties of an Athenian wife were to maintain their home as well as to produce children. Women were to remain indoors and not take part in public life other than special occasions. They also married young to make it easier to adhere to a husband’s desires. Marriages were often arranged through an accord between families. This left the future bride with no voice, whether she wanted to marry or not. Athenian men had it easier, they had more freedom than women. For men, any sexual activity outside of his marriage was absolutely acceptable as well as the use of prostitution. Men were also allowed to own property and take part in government affairs. They were free to partake in a homosexual relationship, although, male homosexuality
…show more content…
They were the most formidable forces in the ways of war. However, Sparta and Athens had their strengths and weaknesses. Athens had naval superiority. With over 200 warships, Athens had the largest naval fleet in ancient Greece. During the course of the Athenian Empire, the empire had an expansive policy with aggressive actions. Forming the Delian league, 173 city-states of the Aegean were under the dominion of the Athenian Empire. This “alliance” had beneficial consequences for the empire by aiding the Athenian economy. Athenians insisted that expanding their control brought a sense of freedom and security to the regions that recognized Athenian Leadership. However, many Greeks believed that Athens was main priority was expanding its territory and influence. An example of this would be in 416 B.C.E., the empire attempted to gain control of the island, Melos. In response to their refusal to join, all Melian men of military age were executed while the rest of the population was sold into
They were the most formidable forces in the ways of war. However, Sparta and Athens had their strengths and weaknesses. Athens had naval superiority. With over 200 warships, Athens had the largest naval fleet in ancient Greece. During the course of the Athenian Empire, the empire had an expansive policy with aggressive actions. Forming the Delian league, 173 city-states of the Aegean were under the dominion of the Athenian Empire. This “alliance” had beneficial consequences for the empire by aiding the Athenian economy. Athenians insisted that expanding their control brought a sense of freedom and security to the regions that recognized Athenian Leadership. However, many Greeks believed that Athens was main priority was expanding its territory and influence. An example of this would be in 416 B.C.E., the empire attempted to gain control of the island, Melos. In response to their refusal to join, all Melian men of military age were executed while the rest of the population was sold into