Athens v. Sparta
This is a map of Ancient Greece. What does it
tell you about Athens and Sparta?
Describe the location of
each city:
 is it on the coast or inland?
 are there mountains nearby?
 are there any neighbouring
cities?
How do you think the
location of each city
affected the people who
lived there?
Athens v Sparta
Athens
Athens was the most powerful Greek state, named after Athene, the goddess of
wisdom and war.
Athenians built many impressive buildings, such as the Parthenon, which was a
large temple that still stands today.
Athens had a powerful navy for fighting battles at sea.
Athenians also travelled by boat to trade with other countries.
Athens welcomed visitors from other city-states and countries.
Most Athenian men were only required to be soldiers during times of war; in
peace time they had other jobs.
In Athens boys went to school but girls were taught at home.
In Athens, every citizen had a right to speak and make decisions.
Athenians valued the arts, including philosophy. They had many famous writers,
philosophers and mathematicians.
Athens v. Sparta
Sparta
Decisions in Sparta were made by a group of wise men.
Sparta was surrounded by mountains which protected it from invaders.
Sparta was quite far inland, so did not have a large navy. Spartans did not allow trade with
other countries or cities, and visitors were not allowed into the city.
All Spartan men had to serve in the army. Other jobs were done by slaves.
Spartans lived in harsh conditions, without luxuries, to make them tough fighters.
Physical training and fitness was considered to be an important part of a Spartan child’s
education.
Girls did not fight in wars but they took part in physical activities because Spartans believed
fit, strong women would have healthy babies that would be good soldiers.
Boys went to live at an army barracks at the age of 7.
Spartans banned books. They thought that writing and philosophy were useless because
they would not help to win wars.
Spartans lived in simple buildings.
Athens v. Sparta
Athens
How was the city ruled? Who
made the important decisions?
What jobs did the citizens do?
Who did the other jobs?
How were boys educated?
How were girls educated?
Did the city trade with other
cities or countries?
How were visitors treated?
What did the citizens think
about books and writers?
What were the buildings like?
Other differences
Sparta