Sparta and Athens: Military vs. Democracy

In about 650 B.C. the helots rebelled.

The Spartans crushed the uprising.

The leaders decided to make Sparta a military society.

The leaders thought this would make citizens more loyal and obedient. 

All boys and men were prepared for a life of war.

Boys left home at age seven.

They lived in harsh military camps where they learned to read, write, and to use weapons.

Spartan leaders believed harsh treatment would make boys into adults who could survive the pain of battle.

Spartan women enjoyed more freedom than women in other city-states because the men were often away from home.

Girls were trained in sports such as wrestling.

The main role of women was to raise sons for the military.

Sparta’s government was an oligarchy.

Two kings ruled together, but had little power.

The council of elders acted as judges and the assembly made decisions about war and peace.

The assembly elected five people each year to be ephors.

The ephors enforced laws and collected taxes.

Sparta's leaders believed education could lead to unrest.

For this reason, the government discouraged people from studying literature and the arts.

Foreign visitors were not welcome.

People could leave Sparta only for military purposes.

Trade was limited.

Sparta became isolated.