Transcript The Greeks
The Greeks Sparta vs. Athens Two different city-states • Sparta • Athens Sparta • Sparta is in Peloponnesus • They were Dorians who conquered Laconia • They turned the conquered people into state owned slaves known as helots – Helots were supposed to work the land – The helots outnumbered them so they had to have strict control. Spartan culture • They had two kings and a council of elders and an assembly made up of all citizens to approve major decisions – Citizens were male, native-born Spartans over 30. Being a citizen • From childhood Spartans prepared to be part of • • a military state. All newborns were examined and the sickly ones were left to die. At 7 boys began training for a lifetime in the military. – They moved into barracks – They slept on hard palates, ate bad food, had hard exercise, and strict discipline – They were encouraged to steal food but were punished if caught. A soldier’s life • Spartan youth became excellent soldiers • At 20 they could marry, but they lived in the barracks for another 10 years and ate there for another 40 years. Women in Sparta • Girls were to produce healthy soldiers and sons • • for the army. They were to exercise and strengthen their bodies. They had to obey their fathers or husbands – They could inherit property – Because of wars they took on more responsibilities. Spartans • Isolated themselves from their neighbors • Looked down on trade and wealth • Travel was forbidden • “Spartans are willing to die because they have no reason to live” Athens Athens • Athens is in Attica • Government went from • monarchy to aristocracy Under the aristocracy wealth and power grew but people were not happy – They demanded change and didn’t want the nobles to have all of the power. – In hard times, farmers had to sell their land and even themselves sometimes to pay debts. Call for change • Athens moved slowly towards a democracy-government by the people. • Solon was appointed chief official and was told to make reforms. – He outlawed debt slavery and freed those in debt slavery – Opened high offices to more citizens – Gave citizenship to some foreigners – Gave the assembly more say in important decisions Not really that reformed • Solon’s reforms helped but only for some • Citizenship was still limited • This led to the rise of tyrants-people who gain power by force. More reforms • And the assembly was made - this was a legislature-a law making body. – They debated laws – All male citizens over 30 were members Government still limited • Democracy still limited • Only male citizens could participate Slaves and women had no voice • BUT Athens gave people more of a say than anybody else. Women in Athens • Women had no part in • public life In wealthy homes, Athenian women were secluded – They managed the household, spun and wove, took care of the children, and prepared food. • Poor women worked outside of the home Education in Athens • Only boys attended school if their families could afford it. – They learned to read and write, studied music, poetry, and public speaking – They received military training – But they were encouraged to explore and learn new things.