The comparison of Ancient Athens and Sparta city-states
HIST1421: Greek and Roman civilization
Dr. Mike Green
April 12, 2023
Introduction:
The ancient Greek civilization is widely known for its influential contribution to the world, including philosophy, literature, architecture, and government. Two of the most prominent city-states in ancient Greece were Athens and Sparta. Although both shared some similarities in their governmental structures, they also had significant differences. This paper will examine how the people in Athens and Sparta obtained the right to participate in public life, who held office, the rules governing the selection of public office holders, and similarities and differences between the two city-states in the governmental structures.
Participation in public life
In Athens, every male citizen who had completed his military training and was over 18 years old had the right to participate in the Athenian Assembly (Rothchild, 2007). The Athenian
…show more content…
Then the “Astynomoi”, the “Agoranomoi” for commercial isues, the “Logistai and Euthynoi” then lastly the “Ten Strategoi who were army generals” chosen by lottery(Rothchild, 2007). Every year, 500 Athenian citizens were randomly selected to serve as members of the council of 500, which was responsible for proposing legislation and overseeing the administration of Athens. In contrast, in Sparta, the two kings held the highest position of power; these were from the Agiads and Eurypondits clans, followed by the five magistrates called the “Ephors” these formed the executive branch(Brand, 2010). Public office holders were selected by a council of elders called “Gerousia”. This council was made up of 30 male citizens over the age of 60 years, and they were responsible for selecting the two kings and other high-ranking officials(Brand,