The Athenian and the Spartan civilizations were very unique and different but the people shared many similar ideas. The Athenians believed that their government was original and that everyone should participate directly in government. On the other hand, the Spartans believed that every man should train for the military. Both the Spartans and Athenians believed in an equal society where the members were devoted to the polis. During this time, Athens supported a democracy. In their democracy, every male was required to participate regardless of his social standing. In the Athenian government, “no one, so long as he has it in him to be of service to the state is kept in political obscurity because of poverty.” This represents the Athenians belief that the people should have a role in politics and not just officials. The Athenians wanted to ensure equality and respect throughout the polis. Like the Athenians, the Spartans supported the idea that wealth should not limit a person. Lykurgus, “abolished… terrible evils of riches and poverty by inducing all land-owners to offer their estates for distribution.” The Spartan’s society forced everyone to be economically equal in order for the people to train together and be true Spartans. Similar to the Athenians, the Spartans believed that wealth stymies the concept of one Polis working together to achieve a goal. In addition, the Spartans and Athenians would do anything for their polis. The Spartans would use selective breeding in order to have children that were strong in order to be able to raise their own children. The Spartans did this …show more content…
Dedication and equality are just two of the many characteristics that the people of the polis have in common with each other. There are many differences such as their government and military styles but the people themselves share many honorable characteristics that made both poleis the two most