Athens+Vs.+Sparta

Directions: In this reading you will hear two points of view, use these points of view to complete the tasks



**__ Athens vs. Sparta: Where would you rather live? __**  ** Directions: ** Read the following conversations between citizens of Athens and Sparta. Use the information to answer the questions.

Government

Athens: We Athenians invented democracy, the government that all of Greece envies. We believe that all people should have the right to participate in their own government. In Athens, we have an assembly that makes all of our laws. All free men over the age of 18 can belong to the assembly. If you want a government that gives all citizens a right to participate, join our city-state.

Sparta: We Spartans believe that our oligarchy system of government is much more stable and efficient than the democracy of Athens. An oligarchy is a form of government in which a few leaders make all of the decisions. We believe our older and more experienced rulers have the wisdom to make good decisions for our people. Sparta has been very successful because our government is stable. We’re not subject to the “mob rule” of the Athenian system, where inexperienced young citizens run the government. If you feel that government is best left in the hands of experienced and knowledgeable men, join Sparta!

1. List three words to describe the government of Athens.

2. List three words to describe the government of Sparta.

Daily Life

Athens: The quality of life in Athens is amazing. We spend a lot of money to create a beautiful city where people love to live. It is the duty of all Greeks to ensure that the Gods are properly honored, so we have built many beautiful temples. In addition, we have built spectacular monuments, works of art, and educational institutions. If you want to live in a beautiful place full of art and culture, move to Athens!

Sparta: If you move to Sparta, you will never have to worry that we will use your money to selfishly beautify our own city. We have no interest in building huge statues or temples, wasting money on the arts. We will not let anything distract us from achieving our highest goal—maintaining a powerful military force that can protect our city-state. Our educational system, unlike Athens, includes only subjects that will produce courageous warriors. When Spartan boys are seven years old, we send them to a military school. They learn to read, write and use weapons. These are useful skills that will help them become good political leaders and soldiers. We Spartans are proud of your simple and practical way of life.

3. If you were an artist, would it be better to live in Athens or Sparta? Why?

4. If you were a soldier, would it be better to live in Athens or Sparta? Why?

Treatment of Non-citizens

Athens: In Athens, only free Athenian men are citizens. That means there are a lot of non-citizens, including all women and slaves. We treat them really well. We entrust our women with a great deal of responsibility. Women are in charge of the household, making meals, and caring for and educating the children. We make sure that all women have a man to take care of them. Some women participate in religious festivals and become priestesses. Because most citizens are too busy to perform common labor, we need slaves to do the work. However, we value our slaves and treat them well. We allow them to become educated, practice trades, and even earn their freedom. If you believe in respectable and honorable treatment of non-citizens, move to Athens!

Sparta: The Athenians claim they give their women great responsibilities. Well, in Sparta, women have more than responsibilities—they have rights, privileges, and freedom as well. The Spartan state provides an education for young girls in singing, dancing, and gymnastics. Unlike Athenian women, Spartan women do not need to be “protected” by male guardians. Spartan women are willing and capable of helping to defend our land if it is invaded. Women are responsible for running estates while the men are away at war, and can even own property. Our women have another very important role in our society: they are expected to be healthy childbearers who can produce future soldiers for our state.

Finally, like Athens, we too, are forced to rely on non-citizens to work for us. But we don’t engage in the slave trade, we rely on a group from the lower-class, the helots, to help us grow food. Our treatment of non-citizens is much better than Athens, you should move here!

5. Do you agree that the Athenians treat their women well? Why or Why not?

6. Do you think women are treated better in Athens or Sparta? Why?