Sparta and Athens
Sparta and Athens are like apples and oranges; the same but different. Both are fruit grown on trees in the case of the apples and oranges, and both are city-states in Greece in the case of Athens and Sparta. Apples and oranges have distinctly different tastes, textures and flavors. Athens and Sparta had markedly different types of origins, social class, government and military history. In this paper both similarities and differences between Athens and Sparta will be explored, so as to learn the real truth about these two ancient city-state giants.The origins of these two city-states have some similarities and some differences. What started as two uninhabited small parcels of land ended up as Athens and Sparta. Around 3000 B.C. the Mycenaeans inhabited Athens. Mycenaean rule lasted for 2900 years. From 1100 B.C. to 950 B.C., the Dorians invaded Athens along with other Mycenaean city-states. Mycenaean rule and civilization were destroyed. Athens survived the Dorian invasions and developed into an advanced city-state. The city-state Sparta was formed as a result of the Dorian invasions. In 900 B.C., fifty years after Athens was invaded, the Dorians invaded Laconia in southeastern Greece, destr
During the times of Athens and Sparta, their respective militaries played a large part in the power-struggle between the two city-states. Although Sparta is known for its military achievements, Athens also had a strong military. In the long run, the power-struggle led to both city-states' demise. In 700 B.C. a Greek hero, Theseus, united Athens with several other city-states and established a monarchy. In 600 B.C. the monarchy was replaced by a group of aristocratic individuals who called themselves Archons. The aristocracy, in a meeting called the Ecclesia elected three Archons. The number of Archons was later changed to nine. The Aristocracy also controlled a council called the Areopagus. As the aristocratic power increased the little freedom the lower class had diminished, which led to several social crises. In 621 B.C. Athenian ruler Draco, established a series of laws that gave severe punishments for minor crimes. Most of the crimes were punishable by death. "Twenty-one years after Draco's rule ended in 594 B.C., Athenian leader Solon abolished the Draconian laws, and established new ones that eliminated the Archons in the Ecclesia." (Encyclopedia Vol. 1) Solon also established a council of four hundred members of separate tribes to rule, which distributed power more evenly. Solon also established the foundation for democratic government. In 560 B.C. popular leader Pisistratus seized Athens. "During Pisistratus' rule Athens became the political, economical, and religious center of the region."(Encyclopedia Vol. 1) Athens also extended its power beyond the territory it had originally ruled. In 510 B.C. a power struggle erupted between Democratic leaders and Archons. After years of fighting the democratic leader won. A newly elected democratic leader Cleisthenes decreased power of the upper class so as to eliminate power struggles. The victory over Athens was Sparta's last major victory. In 371 B.C. Sparta was crushed by rival city-states. Sparta was forced to give up its Messenian land and its helots. "After the devastating defeat, Sparta's system of chil
Some common words found in the essay are:
Athens Sparta, Encyclopedia Vol, BC Sparta, Athens Pisistratus', Sparta Athens, Athens Mycenaean, Sparta Land, Messenia Sparta, BC Athenian, BC Greek, athens sparta, apples oranges, sparta athens, bc sparta, encyclopedia vol, vol 4, vol 1, social class, delian league, elders aristocracy, land divided equally, vol 4 sparta, encyclopedia vol 4, social class government, athens sparta exist,
Approximate Word count = 1415
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)
|
