The document compares the city-states of Sparta and Athens. Sparta valued strength, simplicity and isolationism, with a government led by kings and elders. Athens encouraged trade, art and debate, with a democratic government and navy. Spartan education focused on military training for boys and domestic skills for girls. Athenian education included academics for both sexes. Spartan women had more freedoms than Athenian women. Both cities used helot slaves conquered from other lands.