Skip to content

DA2. Athens and Sparta

Statement

Although they were a part of the Greek Civilization, the city-states of Athens and Sparta differed from each other in many ways. Elaborate upon the social differences between Athens and Sparta with special emphasis on the following:

  • Slaves in Athens and helots in Sparta
  • The education system
  • The position of women

Solution

During the classical period, Athens and Sparta were two of the most powerful city-states in Greece. They both spoke the same language and shared many other cultural similarities. However, the two states were seen as rivals and had many fundamental differences in the structure of society, governments, and values; with Athens focusing on philosophy and art, and Sparta on military strength and discipline (TCI, n.d.).

Slaves in Athens and Helots in Sparta.

Helots were state-owned serfs who were the descendants of the conquered populations; they were enslaved non-spartan people, usually from Greek cities (Lumen, n.d.). They were not allowed to own property or accumulate wealth, and they were under constant war from the Spartans as they feared their revolution (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2024).

Athens slaves were from diverse backgrounds due to the city’s sea voyages and trade. They had a wide range of skill sets, from framers to miners, to craftsmen. They enjoyed more freedom compared to Helots and they were allowed to buy their freedom and accumulate some wealth (Tridimas, 2023). The most notable difference is that the Athenian slaves were not owned by the state, but considered private property owned by their citizen master.

The education system.

In Sparta, the education system was focused on military training; the final goal was to build strong citizens who could defend the state. At the age of 7, boys were sent to military camps to learn fitness, military, and leadership skills. Girls were usually excluded from this training, but they may receive private education at home (TCI, n.d.).

In Athens, the education system was more focused on philosophy, art, and literature. It was totally private and parents had to pay for the tutors which made it only available to the wealthy, and girls were usually excluded. There were different classes of teachers in the community Grammatistes taught reading, writing, and arithmetic; including philosophy, literature, and political science; Kitharistes taught music, history, ethics, and wisdom; Paedotribes taught physical education (Garland, 2020).

The position of Women.

In Sparta, women were not considered citizens, but they had more freedom compared to other Greek city-states including Athens. They were allowed to own property, inherit land, and participate in sports. Women wore more freeing and comfortable clothing and had more chances of getting an education or choosing who to marry (Mark, 2021).

In Athens, women were not citizens, they were not allowed to own property or participate in politics. They usually stayed home, wore heavy clothing, and were always represented or accompanied by a male relative. Their hatbands were usually chosen by their fathers or male relatives and usually married at a young age (Mark, 2021).

Conclusion.

Athens and Sparta were two rivals with one focusing on military-based society and the other on philosophy and art. Women had more rights in Sparta compared to Athens; however, slaves in Athens had more rights compared to the helots in Sparta who were state-owned serfs and were in constant tension with the Spartans. The education system in Athens was more private and prepared citizens for political life, while in Sparta, it was focused on military training to prepare citizens for war.

References

‌