Were Ancient Athenians better than Spartans?
From the towering Parthenon in Athens to the bronze statue of Athena dominating its skyline and the iconic ruins of Sparta’s acropolis looming over the valley below- it is impossible not to be awestruck by Ancient Greece. As you journey through this land steeped with history, one question may come to mind: who were better- Athenians or Spartans?
Who had a better life, Women in Sparta or Athens?
Athens and Sparta were two of the largest City-States of Ancient Greece. Their lifestyles and culture could not have been anymore different from one another. Sparta was a military state and was heavy with pride for their strength in battle. While Athens’ culture was one of art, philosophy, and democracy. The men not only lived completely separate lives from one another, but their women did too. Athens and Sparta treated their women differently.
Education in Sparta and Athens Compared
Sparta chose the path of militarism as a way of life. But then Athens chose the path of civility. Why?
Athens - approximately 40 000 men were citizens. By 432 BC, Athens had become the most populous city-state in Hellas. In Athens and Attica, there were at least 150 000 Athenians, around 50 000 aliens, and more than 100 000 slaves.
Sparta - approximately 8 000 Spartiates (adult male citizens) ruled over a population of 100 000 enslaved and semi-enslaved people.