Discussion Assignment Unit 2
Social differences between Athens and Sparta
There were numerous city-states in Ancient Greece, each with its own way of life, governance, and economy. Among them were Athens and Sparta, two of their period's most important and influential city-states. While they shared a common history and culture, they were not the same in practically every way.
Slaves in Athens and helots in Sparta
Slaves were considered property in Athens, with no legal rights or protections. They worked as domestic servants, labourers, skilled craftsmen, and even in the city's silver mines. They may be purchased and sold, severely disciplined, or even killed at the whim of their owners. Athenian slaves faced severe living circumstances, long
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They were barred from voting, owning property, or participating in politics or public life. Their primary responsibility was managing the family and bearing offspring, ideally male heirs. Girls were commonly married off at an early age to males chosen by their fathers and got minimal formal schooling. While upper-class women had better educational and social opportunities, they were still subject to stringent social and cultural standards and had minimal freedom (Life in Two City-States: Athen and Sparta, n.d.).
Women enjoyed more independence in Sparta and were encouraged to participate in physical activity and education. Girls were expected to be physically active and healthy and received formal athletic, music, and dance instruction. Women were also encouraged to participate in public life, and they were allowed to possess property and inherit from their families. Even though they had no right to vote or engage in politics, they were more prominent and influential in society than their Athenian counterparts (Life in Two City-States: Athen and Sparta,