Athens or Sparta?
Smarta than Sparta
Join Athens today!
Why should you join Athens? Because Athenians aren't as brutal as the Spartans. In Athens, they value the goddess Athena, goddess of wisdom! They also live in a democracy, people have a voice, even at the age 18. They also value intelligence, art, writing, and more. They do not send children to be in the military, nor do they kill babies because they are "weak."
About Athens
Athena
Poseidon and Athena fought for the role of the patron god/goddess for Athens. Zeus, to avoid any further conflict, made a contest to determine who would be Athens patron god/goddess. The contest was, to give a gift to the people of Athens. Poseidon gave them a freshwater spring, and Athena gave them the olive tree. Athena's gift was much more useful to the people of Athens, so she won the contest and became the patron goddess of Athens.
Democracy
The Athenians lived in a democracy. Meaning, every citizen over 18 voted on things, unlike Sparta who has one ruler in full control. The Assembly was group of members that makes the laws, you must be a free male at least 18 years of age. The Council of 500 proposes the laws, anyone can join if they win a lottery. The people in The Council of 500 actually get paid for being there! Generals control the army and navy. They also play the role as a judge.
Military
Yes. Athens did have a military. Not as strong as the Sparta's military, but still they had one. At age 18, all boys, no matter how poor or rich, were required to go to military school for 2 years. After that, they were allowed to live their lives as they chose.
NOT Sparta
In Sparta, all they want is strong military. In military school, which all boys are sent to at age 7, they are encouraged to steal! And you know what happens if they're caught? They get whipped. Not only that, but when a women gives birth to a weak baby, they leave it outside. to. die. As mentioned before, Athens does have military. Yes, they are required to go to military school at age 14. Unlike Sparta where you go to military school at 7 are forced to be in the military, if a male, in Athens you are allowed to choose how you want to live your life after military school! forced
Education
In Athens, the education was much more advanced than the Spartans. Boys were taught till age 7 by their mothers or a male slave, 7 to 14 was primary school so they could learn the basics. Once they turned 16, their basic education was complete. They could now study, if they didn't work. At age 18 - 20, boys would go throw military training. Girls on the other hand were taught at home by their mothers or private tutors. They were taught so they could teach THEIR children, they were prepared to be a stay at home mom.
Trade
In Athens, they didn't trade a big variety of things. They had a lot of mountains, but very little amount of farms. The main product for trade was olives. Because there were so many olives around, the people of Athens made a lot of oil to eat and to trade. The main places they traded with were Egypt and Italy.