Summary:
Sparta and Athens; two great and illustrious Greek nations that were very deviant, but yet so similar. Some of the differences they had were the upbringing of children, views on education and war, and relations with its neighboring nations. They shared such things as the issue of slavery, women's rights, and their custom of citizenship.
Sparta and Athens: Two Worlds Apart
Sparta and Athens; two great and illustrious Greek nations that were very deviant, but yet so similar. Some of the differences they had were the upbringing of children, views on education and war, and relations with its neighboring nations. They shared such things as the issue of slavery, women's rights, and their custom of citizenship. They had many similarities and differences socially, politically, and culturally.
One disturbing cultural issue is the nurturing of young children. The Spartans lived and breathed war. Therefore even before birth, children were being conformed into the image that the Spartans had of children fit for war. Before birth, the mother would exercise and strengthen their bodies, "something no other Greek women did." After birth, "Officials examined every newborn, and sickly children were abandoned to die." The children were rigorously trained and were prepared for life in the military from the age of seven. They lived in Barracks and were encouraged to steal food, but if caught, they were severely beaten. At 20, a man could marry, but he continued to live in the barracks for ten years and ate there for forty more years. The Greeks on the other hand appreciated childhood and they nurtured their children tenderly and lovingly. Their education was well rounded; including reading, writing, poetry, and music. They became skilled public speakers. They also received military training to keep their bodies healthy, and participated in athletic contests. "Unlike Sparta, which put military training above all else, Athens encouraged their young men to explore young men to explore many areas of knowledge." Another topic was their views on war. The Spartans put war first; as portrayed in the way they raised their children. They were a "Nation of Soldiers." Their culture was shaped by their view on war. The Athenians on the other hand hardly ever resorted to war unless it was the last option. They were more focused on other issues. A further topic is the issue of women's right. Both nations did not give women any rights. They were looked down on and were not involved in the political aspects of the nations. Spartan women were told to exercise. Like the boys, the girls also had a rigorous upbringing. Sparta, though, gave women slightly higher responsibilities they had to run the family's estates since the men were so occupied with war. In Athens, the women lived secluded lives and took care of the house. Aristotle saw women as imperfect beings that lacked the ability to reason as well as men. Both nations kept slaves, but the Spartans, whose slaves were called helots, so greatly out-numbered their rulers that they set up a brutal system of strict control.
Political wise, both nations shared a period of monarchy. Sparta was ruled by two kings and a council of elders who advised them. The Athenians had a monarchy, but did away with it and changed it to an aristocracy. Both nations had inflexible citizenship requirements. To become a Spartan citizen, you had to be native born male over the age of thirty and slaves did not count. To become an Athenian citizen, you also had to be a native born male. Furthermore, tens of thousands of Athenians were slaves without any political rights or personal freedom. In fact, they gave the citizens time to participate in the government. Nevertheless, Athens gave more people say in decision making than any other ancient civilization. In Sparta, its citizens were extremely loyal and committed to their country. So much so that "[They were] willing to die for their city, [maybe] because they have no reason to live", some people said.
Socially, Sparta suffered severely, in that they isolated themselves from other Greeks. They looked down on trade and wealth forbade their own citizens to travel, and had little time for new ideas or the arts. The Athenians on the other hand were excellent traders. They exported wine and olive oil. Athenian wealth and power grew. Several citizens were farmers, while others were traders and merchants. Alike to both nations were slaves, the bottom of the "cultural chain." Athenians who could not afford to pay their debts sold themselves or their families into slavery. In Sparta, captives of other nations were turned into state-owned slaves, called helots, who were made to work the land. Women had to stay secluded while tending to the needs of their families. They spun and wove, cared for the children, and prepared food. Their slaves or children were sent to fetch food and to fetch water from the public well. Poorer women worked outside the home, tending sheep or working as spinners, weavers, or potters.
In concluding, both nations shared a vast wealth of similarities and differences. All of which made them recognized as some of ancient history's greatest nations. They depict how two countries could be very distinct, yet so comparable.
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