Brains vs. Brawn

Athens and Sparta

A port on the Aegean SeaA major trade centerTraded goods such as olive oil and

grapes for wheatDeveloped a strong navyHad a city wall 7 ft. thick and 23 ft. tall

protecting the cityDeveloped the world’s first democracyEvery male citizen over age 18 took

part in government

Athens

Boys age 7-12 learned reading, writing, math, history, and music

At age 18, males served 2 years in the military

Girls were not allowed to go to schoolAttracted the best artists and scholarsDeveloped new ideas about

architecture, art, literature, philosophy, politics, and science.

Athens

Located in an inland valley 150 milesHigh mountains formed a natural wall

protecting the city-stateDisapproved of trade and contact with

outsiders.Male citizens received a plot of land to

farm, but also had to be soldiers.Had the strongest army in the ancient

world

Sparta

The only city-state that did not develop its own democratic government

Had two kings, both army commanders, led the city-state.

Only men born in Sparta could be citizens.

Women were not citizens, but could own land.

Only boys were educated—at age 7 they learned reading and writing, but the emphasis was on military and physical training.

Sparta

Not famous for beautiful buildings or works of art.

Did not believe in luxuriesSparta is remembered for its army.

Sparta

Women, slaves, and men born outside the city were not citizens and were excluded from governments.

Boys at age 7 went to school.Girls learned household chores from

their mothers.Girls were often married at the age of

15.

Both