Sparta organized its society around military strength and discipline. Spartan boys began military training at age 7 and remained in the military until age 60. All males were required to serve in the army and physical fitness was highly valued. Spartan women had more rights than other Greek women, such as owning property and running households, due to the long-term military service of men. Sparta was ruled by two kings and had many slaves called Helots who performed most of the agricultural and domestic work. In contrast, Athens valued education, clear thinking, the arts, and physical fitness. Athenian democracy allowed only brief military service for men from ages 18 to 20.

1. Sparta and Athens
Chapter 9
Section 3

3. Spartan Society
• Build a military society
• Valued a strong military to provide security
and protection
– Daily life reflected this belief

4. Sparta and Men
• Boys began military training at the age of
7
– Stayed until they were 60
• All males were in the army
• Valued physical fitness
• No luxuries- a plain, simple life

5. Sparta and Women
• Had more rights than other Greek women
– Could own property
– Ran their own households
• Due to the men in the military

6. Government
• Ruled by two kings: OLIGARCHY
– Led the military
• Elected officials had more power
– Dealt with the day-to-day activities

7. Slaves in Sparta
• Slaves were called
Helots
• Did most of the tasks
– Making clothes
– Farming
• Had more slaves than
citizens

8. Athens
• Sparta’s main rival
• Democracy
• Valued:
– Education
– Clear thinking
– The arts
– Physical Fitness

10. Athens and Men
• Only served in the
army from 18-20
– Older men only during
times of war
• Rich boys went to
school
• Poor boys became
farmers or learned a
trade

11. Athens and Women
• Received little to no education
• Had little to no rights
– Could NOT serve in government
– Could NOT leave their houses except special
occasions
– Could NOT buy anything or own property
– Could NOT disobey their husbands or fathers