Main differences between Athens and Sparta

Before starting to fully enter the main differences between Athens and Sparta It is important that we know the characteristics of each of these cities, so we will begin by analyzing the city of Sparta to discover how it was organized internally.

Social organization of Sparta

In Sparta there was great social differentiation and, in the highest part of the hierarchy, were the Spartans (that is, the upper class), in the middle zone were the Periecos (who were the merchants, farmers, etc.) and, finally, in the lowest rank were the Helots, that is, the slaves.

The objective of education in Sparta was very much aimed at strengthening its army, therefore, since the infants were 7 years old, they belonged to the state and they were beginning to be instructed in both physical, moral and intellectual education. At 17 they were already prepared to enter the army, a task that they had to fulfill until they were 60 years old or until they reached the end of their days.

Political organization of Sparta

The government that ruled the land of Sparta was aristocratic, that is, only the nobles could ascend to the organizational systems. Power and wealth were very poorly distributed and, in fact, all the land in the city was owned by the state, something that accentuated the inequality between the classes because it did not allow the less favored to enrich themselves thanks to their work.

The army of Sparta

To speak of the ancient city of Sparta is to speak of its army as it was the best in the entire Greek Empire, by far. As we have already commented, the Spartan social organization was totally aimed at enlarging the military corps and, therefore, more and more soldiers were in charge of occupying new territories.

In this article you can find a detail of Ancient Greece and its cities so that you can better know how this important Ancient Empire was divided.

Image: National Geographic

To understand the differences between Athens and Sparta it is important that we also know the characteristics of the city of Athens as it was a highly influential social and political model and, in fact, it is considered that this civilization was the cradle of modern democracy. We are going to analyze the highlights of Athenian society so that you can get to know it in depth.

Athens social organization

Unlike the city of Sparta, in Athens there was a wider variety in the hierarchy and, therefore, power and wealth was better distributed among the citizens. The social division of the Athenians was as follows:

• Citizens (most Athenians)
• Gentlemen
• Zeugitas (the Labradors)
• Tetes (they were the day laborers and were exempt from paying taxes)
• Foreigners (foreign merchants residing in Athens for business purposes)
• Slaves (prisoners of war)

The education of men in Athens was destined to be able cultivate free men and intellectually rich speaking. For this reason, he opted for an education that began at age 4 and lasted until age 18 where mental and physical exercises were performed to try to create the “perfect” man.

Political organization of Athens

In Athens the lower classes were favored and, therefore, the State gave the lands to the peasants so that they could carry out their work and enrich themselves slightly. Furthermore, in Athens slavery could also be abolished if a “fine” was paid, thus individual freedom could be paid.

Economically, in Athens trade, arts and industry were protected as transforming vehicles of society that made its citizens freer, more educated and economically independent.

The power and influence of Athens in the Ancient world was very noticeable. In fact, after the war waged against the Persians, this city became the center of the Greek Empire. The main economic engine was the market and trade, although mythological religion was also cultivated, creating spaces such as the Parthenon in Athens, one of the most spectacular temples in the world.

Democracy in Athens

However, one of the most significant features of ancient Athens was its democratic government, the first in the history of mankind. The concept of democracy was perfected by a leader named Clístenes and who drew political positions among the members of the citizenry, however, we must not believe that it was a democracy like today but that it was the beginning of this system found in most western countries today.

We have already analyzed the characteristics of both cities and, therefore, the time has come to enter what concerns us: the main differences between Athens and Sparta. We are going to make a list so that the divergences between these Greek cities can be perfectly clear to you:

• The society of Sparta it was very hierarchical and there was a great difference between rich and poor; in Athens there was much more variety of social classes and the differences between the wealthiest and the most disadvantaged were smoothed out
• The education in Sparta it was basically aimed at creating great soldiers who could swell the military ranks; On the other hand, in Athens studies were promoted designed to create an ideal citizen who was skilled in both letters and weapons.
• The opolitical organization of Sparta it was totally subordinate to the groups of the aristocracy; in Athens, however, began with democracy, a new system of political organization that sought to create equality among citizens

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