1. Political System:
- Athens: Athens was a democratic city-state, where all male citizens had the right to participate in the government. The Assembly was the central governing body, and all citizens could participate in debates, vote on laws, and make decisions on important matters.
- Sparta: Sparta was a militaristic city-state ruled by two kings. The kings held most of the power, and there were also two Councils (the Gerousia and the Ephors) that assisted the kings in decision-making. Citizens of Sparta had limited political rights and were mainly focused on military training and service.
2. Social Structure:
- Athens: Athens was a more open society with diverse social classes. There were citizens, non-citizens (metics), and slaves. Citizens enjoyed full political rights and social privileges. Metics were foreigners residing in Athens who had certain legal rights but not citizenship. Slaves had no rights and were considered property.
- Sparta: Spartan society was highly structured and militaristic. Citizens were divided into three main classes: the Spartiates (full citizens), the Perioeci (non-citizens who lived outside Sparta), and the Helots (state-owned slaves). The Spartiates were the ruling class and the ones who underwent rigorous military training.
3. Education:
- Athens: Education was highly valued in Athens. Athenian citizens had access to various educational institutions, including schools and academies. They studied a wide range of subjects like literature, philosophy, mathematics, and political science.
- Sparta: Spartan education focused primarily on military training and discipline. Boys from the Spartiate class underwent a rigorous training regimen called "agoge" from a young age. They learned physical combat, endurance, discipline, and loyalty to the state.
4. Culture and Arts:
- Athens: Athens was a hub of cultural and artistic activity. It was famous for its philosophers, writers, artists, and playwrights. The city was home to the Parthenon and other magnificent temples, as well as theaters where plays by dramatists like Sophocles, Euripides, and Aristophanes were performed.
- Sparta: Sparta was more focused on military pursuits than cultural activities. Art, literature, and philosophy were not as emphasized as in Athens. Spartans valued obedience, modesty, and physical fitness above artistic pursuits.
5. Role of Women:
- Athens: In Athens, women had limited rights and opportunities. They were mainly responsible for household duties and raising children. They were not allowed to participate in politics or own property, but some influential women could exert influence through their husbands or male relatives.
- Sparta: Spartan women had a higher status compared to women in other Greek city-states. They were given physical training and education, and they could own property. Spartan women were expected to be strong and capable of producing healthy offspring.
In essence, life in Athens offered more freedom, democracy, cultural richness, and intellectual pursuit, while life in Sparta was characterized by strict militaristic discipline, social hierarchy, and a focus on military strength and obedience.