Sparta Vs. Athens

The ideal for Sparta was to train soldiers from their youth—to have a country full of able fighters and warriors. In fact, despite the relatively sparse population of Spartans, the community had a strong military presence, and extraordinary power. The ideal life was one striving towards the military. Obedience was the main subject of study among young Spartans, as they were sent to a public guardian, known as a paidonomos, instead of being treated by a private tutor. At the same time that life as a warrior was held in highest regard, death as a soldier was also the most lauded form of decease, as can be seen from the firs

By contrast, Athens favored a solid political system, culture and education. Athenians prided themselves on, for their time, the unique democratic system, affording equal justice to everybody; a system that favored the multitudes not the individuals.

While, unlike the Spartans, the society was not centered on the military, the Athenians were certainty not lacking pride in the effectiveness of its military policy. They felt that, if left to the native sprit of the citizens, they would feel secure even though they left open the city to the world. Pericles, a famous Athenian orator, writes about how the Athenians, not tied and bound to the militant lifestyle, are free to live the way they want, yet are still ready to encounter every possible danger. The Athenians did not feel that a prerequisite to survival was a society of warriors. With educated loyal, soldiers, the citizens could live a cultured, educated life, and still face life’s military challenges.

Athens, however, took a different route. They chose culture, education and a strong democracy over pure military prowess. As is evident from the oration of Pericles, the democracy in Athens was the key. That was th

Some topics in this essay:
Messenian War, Sparta Athens, Athens Sparta, , sparta athens, military life, political system, military prowess, “beautiful honorable, culture education, ideal life,