Ancient Athens Vs Sparta
When considering ancient civilizations, there are two city-states that existed in with great contrast. Athens and Sparta were among the Greek poleis, differing in many ways. The most significant differences were apparent in methods of military use, the political and social structure, and issues within their economy.
The Athenian approach to establishing a harmonious government was to give the people a voice. They did not hold ranks, keeping the impoverished on the outside of the community.
Athens sought to keep the political and social structure accessible to all. There were those who felt this weakened the hierarchy, where the rich maintain their wealth (Hunt, et al. 82). However, the Athenian way was one of democracy, where the people were aligned …show more content…
63). It is evident that the primary focus for Sparta was not the individual. Instead, they worked to build and strengthen an empire built on the sacrifice of its people. Another significant aspect of the Spartan culture was the homosexual relationships established between Spartan men and Spartan boys. The elder would take a boy as his lover and, as it states, “the elder partner (the “lover”) was supposed to help educate the young man (the “beloved”) in politics and community values, and not just exploit him for physical pleasure” (Hunt, et al. 63). These values emphasize the vigilant nature of a culture focused on ruling the community through instilling fear, participating in abuse and violence, and maintaining control at all cost.
The differences between these two communities are extreme in many ways. While they both sought to maintain control and strengthen their place in the Greece. However, their methods, goals, and lifestyles were different by all
The Athenian approach to establishing a harmonious government was to give the people a voice. They did not hold ranks, keeping the impoverished on the outside of the community.
Athens sought to keep the political and social structure accessible to all. There were those who felt this weakened the hierarchy, where the rich maintain their wealth (Hunt, et al. 82). However, the Athenian way was one of democracy, where the people were aligned …show more content…
63). It is evident that the primary focus for Sparta was not the individual. Instead, they worked to build and strengthen an empire built on the sacrifice of its people. Another significant aspect of the Spartan culture was the homosexual relationships established between Spartan men and Spartan boys. The elder would take a boy as his lover and, as it states, “the elder partner (the “lover”) was supposed to help educate the young man (the “beloved”) in politics and community values, and not just exploit him for physical pleasure” (Hunt, et al. 63). These values emphasize the vigilant nature of a culture focused on ruling the community through instilling fear, participating in abuse and violence, and maintaining control at all cost.
The differences between these two communities are extreme in many ways. While they both sought to maintain control and strengthen their place in the Greece. However, their methods, goals, and lifestyles were different by all