Athens Vs Sparta Research Paper

Although generally famous for it’s accomplishments in the arts and sciences, different parts of Ancient Greece varied based on their values, lifestyles, and cultures. Due to the mountainous regions in the area, many parts of Ancient Greece were secluded from one another, therefore forcing the regions to form their own city-states with completely opposite views, cultures, and values; as was the case with Athens and Sparta. After the foundation of their city-state, Athenians focused on the arts and philosophy, while their Spartan counterparts based their entire lives around the subject of military, considering it was one of the main aspects of every Spartan’s life.

Considering the fact that Athens and Sparta are very distinct in their own ways, it is safe to assume that the life of a Spartan would be very different from that of an Athenian. I, as a female, would much rather have lived in Sparta, as

opposed to Athens, if given the chance. Although the men of Athens had quite a lot of freedom, whether that be in choosing a leader or an occupation, Athenian women were only a level above slaves. They did not have the ability to do anything but house chores, and had the capability to leave the house only in case of a funeral. They were not allowed to choose an occupation, an interest, thus leaving them with nothing but a strict set of guidelines and rules they could follow.
There are a variety of reasons the idea of living in Ancient Sparta appeals to me more than the idea of living in Ancient Athens.

There are many liberties a Spartan woman was able to have. For one, girls were able to receive education. Girls began their education at the age of seven, and were taught reading, writing, athletics, as well as a number of survival skills. In addition to that, girls, as well as women, could participate in any sport they desired, something their Athenian counterparts could not take pride and joy in. Furthermore, women were considered citizens of Sparta, and could easily own and control land or property (something else Athenian women did not have), therefore allowing them to be fairly independent. Beyond that, however, women were able to marry, divorce, and even remarry whoever they chose, while an Athenian woman’s life played out exactly as the men in her life pleased, which resulted in an arranged marriage (thus eliminating the value of a woman’s life and choices). Spartan women were not disrespected, mistreated, or looked down upon in any

way.
Additionally, I agree with the Spartan way of life and values. I think it is honorable when thousands of men are fighting for the common purpose of cultivating their land and all its citizens, as opposed to everyone focusing on their own selfish desires and interests, as it was done in Athens.