Classical Athens Vs Sparta Dbq Essay

Ancient Greece, a thriving country consisting of nearly 100 city states from within. A gem of the Archaic and Classical Greek Era that we have come to discover. While the country thrived, they also had much tension from within caused by its two leading cities, Athens and Sparta. Athens, a democratic and well invested political city found apprehension with their neighboring municipality Sparta, a highly dense military society. Though the two cities shared several traits such as slavery and gradation systeming, they were separated by their political and economic differences. Shown by documents written in the 5th century BCE, both Athens and Sparta had rights for their citizens. However, Classical Athens believed that their laws set the pattern

This contrasts the two cities in their perspective of what they need. Sparta powers their army with the number of Helots within the confines of their territory. Athens sees military as important but has almost as many resident aliens in their city as Sparta has natural citizens(Document 6). Looking at a list of imported goods and exported goods into the two cities, you can see how Sparta imports materials needed for supporting an army like iron, ivory,and copper. On the other hand, Athens import necessities in which the need to survive on such as wheat, skins, and salted fish to eat. However, Athens exports many lavish materials like perfume, wine, and jewelry. The difference of trade between the two rivals sets apart a contrasting view of alikeness(Document 7). On a similar note, Aristotle writes of how Athens supported themselves financially for war materials like 1,200 calvary men and 500 members of council to reinforce their government(Document 9). This correlates to a similar degree with Sparta to show that Athens was also involved in war and was prepared if need be to fight against a rivaling city. Looking at the point of view from Aristotle, he grew up with and in the Athenian government but he also grew accustomed to many other regulations from other cities during his travel. However, as he reflects on the preparation made by the Athenians, we can see that it is a fair assessment made by a now well regarded