Social Studies Chapter 27

Government Athens

All Athenian-born men over the age of 18 were considered Athenian citizens. Women and slaves were not permitted citizenship. Every citizen could take part in the city's government. A group called the Council of 500 met every day. Proposed laws had to be approved by a much larger group, the Assembly of Athens. Every citizen had the right to speak at Assembly meetings.

Education (Sparta)

In Sparta, the purpose of education was to produce capable men and women who could fight to protect the city-state. Spartans highly valued discipline and strength. The most important Spartan goal was to be a brave soldier. At about the age of 20, Spartan men were given a difficult test of fitness, military ability, and leadership skills.

Women/Slaves Athens

Some women sold goods in the market. A few very important women were priestesses. But most Athenian women had their greatest influence in the home. There were many slaves in ancient Athens. Most Athenians who weren't poor owned at least one slave. Some people were born into slavery. Others were forced into slavery as captives of war.

Women/Slaves Spartha

Spartan women lived the same simple life as Spartan men. Spartan women had many rights that other Greek women did not have. Spartan slaves, the helots, were people the Spartans had conquered. There were many more helots than citizens in Sparta. The Spartans treated the helots harshly, fearful that the helots would revolt. Despite this harsh treatment, helots did have some rights. Despite this harsh treatment, helots did have some rights. Helots who saved enough money could even buy their freedom.

Government Sparta

While Athens was a democracy, Sparta was an oligarchy Like Athens, Sparta had an Assembly. But the important decisions were actually made by a much smaller group called the Council of Elders.

Economy (Sparta)

While Athens's economy depended on trade, Sparta's economy relied on farming and on conquests of other people. Conquered villagers became slaves, called helots.The Spartans also made use of a second group of people—non citizens who were free. In general, though, Sparta discouraged trade. Rather than use coins, Spartans used heavy iron bars as money.

Education Athens

Athenians believed that a good citizen should have both an intelligent mind and a healthy body. Therefore, book learning and physical training were important. At 18, Athenian men began their military training. Unlike boys, most girls did not learn to read or write.

Economy (Athens)

Because the land around Athens did not provide enough food for all of the city's people, Athens's economy was based on trade. Athenians bought and sold goods at a huge marketplace called the agora. Like most other city-states, Athens developed its own coins to make trade easier.