Athens Vs Sparta Dbq Essay

Aristotle once said in his book Politics, “Democracy arises out of the notion that those who are equal in any respect are equal in all respects” (Aristotle). Ancient Greece was ahead of time, so that everyone felt included. Your gender, social position, and religion do not play a part in the amount of rights you have. Greece was split into many city-states, all with their own types of government and differences. Mainly, Athens and Sparta are most well known. Sparta being the biggest. Greece was the foundation for democracy, allowing citizens to choose their leaders. Alexander the Great being one of the most successful. According to the primary source documents, it can be proven that Greece was a more successful civilization overall, based on

Sparta was the first civilization to treat women fairly. For example, in the book The Politics of Aristotle, Aristotle wrote, “For, a husband and wife being each a part of every family, the state may be considered as about equally divided into men and women” (Doc. D). This explains how Sparta was the first civilization to treat women fairly because gender does not play a part in how many rights and freedom one has. Sparta allowed women to get physical training, just like men. As well, while Spartan men were off at war, they had full charge over their household. Over time, more rights developed for women. For slaves, Athens was the first ancient civilization to treat slaves fairly. They were treated far less aggressively than in other ancient city states, including Rome. The Romans treated their slaves harshly because, in the recorded history of The Last Great Slave Revolt, the author wrote, “In 73 B.C. the “Speaking Tools” — as the Romans called their slaves” (Doc F). This proves that Rome managed their slaves harshly because they thought of their slaves as a tool. They treated them in such an inhumane manner. Slaves had no personal rights, and were considered “property” of their masters. Where they could be bought and sold, as well as part of the trade cycle. Slaves in Athens were treated a lot better compared to slaves in Rome. They had a lot of options for roles. They could earn

This can be shown by when Pericles, an Athenian general, once said, “Our constitution favors the many instead of the few. If we look at the laws, they give equal justice to all” (Doc. A). This explains that democracy is the strongest form of government because it gives equality to all. A democracy means that it is controlled by citizens. Everyone has a say, and feels included. Also, fewer arguments amongst the citizens. Meanwhile, in Rome, it is divided into patricians and plebeians, into the assembly. Then the councils, magistrates, and tribunes. This series of stages makes it a lot harder to maintain, and only a few have a say. Also, Rome follows in Greece's footsteps. For example, Livy once said, “And no wonder: for if we confine our observation to the power of the Consuls we should be inclined to regard it as despotic; if on that of the Senate, as aristocratic; and if finally one looks at the power possessed by the people it would seem a clear case of democracy” (Doc. B). This shows that Rome follows in Greece’s footsteps because even though Rome was considered a democracy, in actuality, the senate acted as an aristocracy, because in both a small group of elites ruled. The councils acted as a despotism, because both have one or more elected officials, with great power. Also, the assembly acted as a democracy, where everyone had a say in