Athenian Government:
Democracy
2 types:
Representative
Tyranny and direct
Spartan Government:
Oligarchy (consistently)
When a ruler takes over by
Oligarchy force with the support of
the poor.
When wealthy businessmen rule
the government.
Aristocracy
When wealthy landowners are in power.
Monarchy
Under the rule of a single ruler, either a king or queen.
Key Points about Athens and Sparta:
 Both Athens and Sparta had 3 distinct social classes.
 Athens was more focused on learning subjects such as literature, rhetoric, gymnastics, and
music and Sparta was focused on the military amassing a strong army while Athens had a
strong navy.
 Women in Sparta could own property and were supposed to work toward physical fitness
whereas in Athens, women were not allowed to own property and were expected to take
care of the house and generally only worked in weaving.
Directions: Complete the Venn diagram below comparing Athens and Sparta. Include
characteristics on their government, social classes, role of women, and military.
Athens
Both
Sparta