Athens and Sparta are two very different city-states. This Mind Map shows the major differences between them including their government, economy, education, and their treatment of women and slaves.
All Athenian-born men
over the age of 18
were considered
Athenian citizens and
could vote.
Citizens could take
part in the
government in the
council of 500.
Proposed laws were
approved in an
assembly by voting on
it.
Sparta
Sparta's ruling power
was in the hands of a
few people called the
Council of Elders. Their
government was
dedicated to military
strength.
The assembly of Sparta
did not debate issues.
They only could vote yes
or know on laws made
by the Council of Elders.
In order to be part of
the Council of Elders,
men had to be at
least 60 years old and
from a noble family.
Education
Sparta
Girls and boys
were trained for
battle. They were
to have discipline
and strength.
From age 7,
Spartans trained for
battle. Spartan boys
had to experience
pain and hunger.
Spartan Goal: To be
a brave soldier.
Athens
Boys were taught
by their mother
until 6 or 7 and
went to school at 14.
At school they were
taught to be healthy
and smart.
Girls grew up at
home helping
their mothers
with housework.
Athens goal: To
become good
citizens
Economy
Athens
Athens economy
was based on trade.
They traded with
other city-states in
Greece..
Athens developed it's
own coin system so
trade would be
easier.
Athens bought and
sold goods at a
marketplace called
the agora.
Sparta
Sparta's economy
was based on
farming and
conquest of other
people.
Helots (Spartan
slaves) had to
work and get
goods.
Spartan's
discouraged trading
and used iron bars
instead of coins.
Treatment of
Women and Slaves
Sparta
Spartan women
lived the same
simple lives as
Spartan men.
Helots or Spartan
slaves were treated
harshly, but they still
had some rights. They
were allowed to marry
whoever they wanted,
pass names to children,
and even sell leftover
crops after giving their
owner his fair share.
Some could even buy
their freedom.
Spartan women had
many rights other Greek
women did not have.
Athens
Women could not
vote or attend the
assembly.
Athenian slaves had
to have skill and
were harshly
punished if rested.
Few Athenian
women had jobs.
They mostly
managed the
household and raised
their children.